HOMEGROWN2015-08-02T22:28:47ZEllen Peaveyhttp://www.homegrown.org/profile/EllenPeaveyhttp://api.ning.com/files/ku4bsNFR3J1DjH31rA8Hm5ZuqOMY4iJF6W1uchtkcvD9Y-LTPmYyfpMtGbAlz5EGvt2TXJRGbYyPERrwsmYTcYB-V3aMtszp/homegrownlogo.jpg?width=48&height=48&crop=1%3A1http://www.homegrown.org/forum/topic/listForContributor?user=0czsjqvphtjy4&feed=yes&xn_auth=noNewbie to dehydrating questiontag:www.homegrown.org,2015-07-27:2263119:Topic:1993282015-07-27T16:56:26.261ZEllen Peaveyhttp://www.homegrown.org/profile/EllenPeavey
<p>I received my Excalibur dehydrator and was anxious to give it a whirl this weekend. I dehydrated some carrots, green beans, and banana sticks. My main reason for getting the dehydrator was to dehydrate veggies for snacks at work. The green beans came out teeny tiny and crispy - which I like crispy - however, just after a few hours, they turned more tough and chewy. Please advise me how to keep the "crispy" texture (as if baked) or if I am expecting too much. I put some in a plastic…</p>
<p>I received my Excalibur dehydrator and was anxious to give it a whirl this weekend. I dehydrated some carrots, green beans, and banana sticks. My main reason for getting the dehydrator was to dehydrate veggies for snacks at work. The green beans came out teeny tiny and crispy - which I like crispy - however, just after a few hours, they turned more tough and chewy. Please advise me how to keep the "crispy" texture (as if baked) or if I am expecting too much. I put some in a plastic ziplock baggie and some in a Mason jar - which neither kept the beans crispy. Any helpful hints would be great. Thanks!</p> charitable seed donationstag:www.homegrown.org,2015-04-21:2263119:Topic:1973652015-04-21T14:19:47.781ZEllen Peaveyhttp://www.homegrown.org/profile/EllenPeavey
<p>I am doing some work for a packaged seed company (which will remain nameless).<br></br>We have an idea to do a one for one donation program for every seed packet we sell.<br></br>Donated packets would go to community gardens, inner city gardening programs, school programs, Farm Aid, etc.<br></br>Estimated donations of +/- 15 million packets per year.</p>
<p>i'd be interested to hear from the Homegrown community:</p>
<p>1. suggestions for large community garden programs we could make beneficiaries<br></br>of…</p>
<p>I am doing some work for a packaged seed company (which will remain nameless).<br/>We have an idea to do a one for one donation program for every seed packet we sell.<br/>Donated packets would go to community gardens, inner city gardening programs, school programs, Farm Aid, etc.<br/>Estimated donations of +/- 15 million packets per year.</p>
<p>i'd be interested to hear from the Homegrown community:</p>
<p>1. suggestions for large community garden programs we could make beneficiaries<br/>of these donations</p>
<p>2. would this type of a donation program inspire you to support a company that was offering it?</p>
<p>any feedback is appreciated.<br/>thanks</p> Playdough 101tag:www.homegrown.org,2015-04-15:2263119:Topic:1973442015-04-15T15:18:04.828ZEllen Peaveyhttp://www.homegrown.org/profile/EllenPeavey
<p><span class="font-size-2"><b><i>The following 101, on making your own playdough, comes from beloved former flock tender <a href="http://www.homegrown.org/profile/JJWW" target="_blank">Jennifer</a>, current flock tender <a href="http://www.homegrown.org/profile/EmilyEagan" target="_blank">Emily</a>, and the young at heart Farm Aid staff, all of whom put their crafting skills to the test during this hands-on sculpt session.</i></b></span></p>
<p></p>
<p><span class="font-size-2">We at the Farm…</span></p>
<p><span class="font-size-2"><b><i>The following 101, on making your own playdough, comes from beloved former flock tender <a href="http://www.homegrown.org/profile/JJWW" target="_blank">Jennifer</a>, current flock tender <a href="http://www.homegrown.org/profile/EmilyEagan" target="_blank">Emily</a>, and the young at heart Farm Aid staff, all of whom put their crafting skills to the test during this hands-on sculpt session.</i></b></span></p>
<p></p>
<p><span class="font-size-2">We at the Farm Aid office tried this fusion of playdough recipes from <a href="http://www.firstpalette.com" target="_blank">firstpalette.com</a>, <a href="http://www.busybeekidscrafts.com" target="_blank">busybeekidscrafts.com</a>, and Jennifer’s finely sculpted crafting expertise. Give this easy recipe a try with your kiddos, or heck, just go for it with your pals. Let the reminiscing begin!</span></p>
<p></p>
<p><a target="_self" href="http://api.ning.com:80/files/xkVCMRT4uG8Bm0pxexD9l0IaEXTWamfD4dhcd4-z9Swkz*UTktPVjzelWtrMguPjUT9igtMJanm2WahAOIAxfywqq8*Advoo/IMG_3555.JPG"><img class="align-center" src="http://api.ning.com:80/files/xkVCMRT4uG8Bm0pxexD9l0IaEXTWamfD4dhcd4-z9Swkz*UTktPVjzelWtrMguPjUT9igtMJanm2WahAOIAxfywqq8*Advoo/IMG_3555.JPG?width=500" width="500"/></a></p>
<p></p>
<p><span class="font-size-2"><b><span class="font-size-3">WHAT YOU’LL NEED</span><br/></b></span></p>
<ul>
<li><span class="font-size-2">1 cup salt</span></li>
</ul>
<ul>
<li><span class="font-size-2">2 cups flour (it’ll be good to have a little extra on hand just in case… More on that later.)</span></li>
</ul>
<ul>
<li><span class="font-size-2">1 cup lukewarm water</span></li>
</ul>
<p></p>
<p><span class="font-size-3"><b>WHAT TO DO</b></span></p>
<p></p>
<p><span class="font-size-2"><b>1.</b> Mix the salt and flour in a large mixing bowl.</span></p>
<p></p>
<p><span class="font-size-3"><a target="_self" href="http://api.ning.com:80/files/xkVCMRT4uG8XRAAYI1CqSd8cO2xrKyD*5W5njAffk3aZhgCYbJPp2f3-gHgTgG2AJv3nx3vYAdm7gMMIYsY0JWuoexJYRd9g/IMG_3561.JPG"><img class="align-center" src="http://api.ning.com:80/files/xkVCMRT4uG8XRAAYI1CqSd8cO2xrKyD*5W5njAffk3aZhgCYbJPp2f3-gHgTgG2AJv3nx3vYAdm7gMMIYsY0JWuoexJYRd9g/IMG_3561.JPG?width=500" width="500"/></a></span></p>
<p></p>
<p><span class="font-size-2"><b>2.</b> Gradually add in the water, and stir until it reaches a doughy consistency. At this step, we found ourselves adding a little extra flour, as the dough felt too moist to handle. You can use your best judgment here; just get the dough nice and shape-able.</span></p>
<p><span class="font-size-2"><i> </i></span></p>
<p><span class="font-size-2"><i><a target="_self" href="http://api.ning.com:80/files/xkVCMRT4uG9O0ccCjewx9jQCjJ7vLg*mPicVjyYB6fRVjOqhEzTYfO19XR2Zx5qkWjNqlE5Znpb3x*mgmIzTy3u8r51pc9wz/IMG_3563.jpg"><img class="align-center" src="http://api.ning.com:80/files/xkVCMRT4uG9O0ccCjewx9jQCjJ7vLg*mPicVjyYB6fRVjOqhEzTYfO19XR2Zx5qkWjNqlE5Znpb3x*mgmIzTy3u8r51pc9wz/IMG_3563.jpg?width=500" width="500"/></a></i></span></p>
<p><span class="font-size-2"><i>Want to add a little color? Add some</i> <a href="http://www.thekitchn.com/5-better-alternatives-to-red-food-dye-184138"><i>natural food coloring</i></a> <i>to your water before stirring it into the flour/salt mixture.</i></span></p>
<p><span class="font-size-2"> </span></p>
<p><span class="font-size-2"><b>3.</b> Shape your dough into a ball and kneed it for about 5 minutes.</span></p>
<p><span class="font-size-2"> <a target="_self" href="http://api.ning.com:80/files/xkVCMRT4uG8Jt3Fbu5oCBmNX6AaWxsmDWNARLwPKPsY7tl*HxbS3Wblx0SeUE8L53RitK7SdepojlJ8jnJcz*e4kT2JsdN1t/IMG_3565.jpg"><img class="align-center" src="http://api.ning.com:80/files/xkVCMRT4uG8Jt3Fbu5oCBmNX6AaWxsmDWNARLwPKPsY7tl*HxbS3Wblx0SeUE8L53RitK7SdepojlJ8jnJcz*e4kT2JsdN1t/IMG_3565.jpg?width=500" width="500"/></a></span></p>
<p></p>
<p><span class="font-size-2"><b>4.</b> As far as we’re concerned, you’re ready to start rolling, molding, shaping, and playing! We made some snakes and squiggles, flowers, a mouse to startle our unsuspecting coworkers, and more.</span></p>
<p><span class="font-size-2"> </span></p>
<p><span class="font-size-2"><a target="_self" href="http://api.ning.com:80/files/xkVCMRT4uG*Mb31wBSreRizGd4z*uv*PJB31RKwT7O5LsW*ntj95JV2XhHEGygEdGTxDrsC7Y1iaq0h31e8oTgPubmG*nfoO/IMG_3583.JPG"><img class="align-center" src="http://api.ning.com:80/files/xkVCMRT4uG*Mb31wBSreRizGd4z*uv*PJB31RKwT7O5LsW*ntj95JV2XhHEGygEdGTxDrsC7Y1iaq0h31e8oTgPubmG*nfoO/IMG_3583.JPG?width=500" width="500"/></a></span></p>
<p></p>
<p><span class="font-size-2"><b>5.</b> The playdough can be stored in an airtight container and used for days. However, if you find yourself particularly attached to one of your creations, bake it off! Preheat your oven to 250 degrees and place your dough sculptures on an ungreased cookie sheet. On average, thinner items tend to take 45 minutes to an hour, while thicker ones (like our mouse) took a little over 2 hours to fully dry out in the oven.</span></p>
<p><span class="font-size-2"> </span></p>
<p><span class="font-size-2"><a target="_self" href="http://api.ning.com:80/files/xkVCMRT4uG-IwNB9DZ4QwngFfpiveP8gqZvEwI7uUdBo5Y2yogKVMBKOg8GiHIm1nZJ2on*C9*HpcuxLLHpExmPbEgOZ1IOw/IMG_3592.JPG"><img class="align-center" src="http://api.ning.com:80/files/xkVCMRT4uG-IwNB9DZ4QwngFfpiveP8gqZvEwI7uUdBo5Y2yogKVMBKOg8GiHIm1nZJ2on*C9*HpcuxLLHpExmPbEgOZ1IOw/IMG_3592.JPG?width=500" width="500"/></a></span> <span class="font-size-2"><br/></span></p>
<p><span class="font-size-3"><b>SPEAK UP!</b></span></p>
<p><span class="font-size-2"><i>We’d love to put together a Natural Food Dye 101! Reach out to flock tender <a href="http://www.homegrown.org/profile/EmilyEagan" target="_blank">Emily</a></i> <i>with your greatest ideas for HOMEGROWN colorant</i><i>s.</i></span></p>
<p><span class="font-size-2"><i>Got your own favorite playdough recipe or creation to share? Post it below! You can always find more things to make, craft, cook, bake, plant, grow, and play with in the HOMEGROWN 101 library.</i></span></p>
<p></p>
<p><span class="font-size-2"><span style="color: #999999;">ALL PHOTOS:</span> <a href="http://www.homegrown.org/profile/JJWW" target="_blank">JENNIFER</a></span><span class="font-size-2"> <br/></span></p> Packing Crate Food Dehydrator 101tag:www.homegrown.org,2015-03-04:2263119:Topic:1965172015-03-04T19:08:34.455ZEllen Peaveyhttp://www.homegrown.org/profile/EllenPeavey
<p><span class="font-size-2"><b><i>The following 101, on building a homemade food dehydrator from an old wooden packing crate, comes from HOMEGROWN member <a href="http://www.homegrown.org/profile/RichardPierce" target="_self">Richard Pierce</a>, whose next DIY project is a telescope tripod. Pretty sweet, huh? Thanks so much, Richard, and please keep the good ideas rolling!</i></b></span></p>
<p><span class="font-size-2"> …</span></p>
<p></p>
<p><span class="font-size-2"><b><i>The following 101, on building a homemade food dehydrator from an old wooden packing crate, comes from HOMEGROWN member <a href="http://www.homegrown.org/profile/RichardPierce" target="_self">Richard Pierce</a>, whose next DIY project is a telescope tripod. Pretty sweet, huh? Thanks so much, Richard, and please keep the good ideas rolling!</i></b></span></p>
<p><span class="font-size-2"> </span></p>
<p><span class="font-size-2"><a target="_self" href="http://api.ning.com:80/files/zc7lfWIbrdZ1gSMyj79gjiB3ZL8pyyYzjuHxGTgzQotU*nbj*dGW9ct4TYamUq-9JS-8I2grrXsUaOqxm01UsBh6wxpZIo6O/HOMEGROWNdiyhomemadedehydratormain.jpg"><img class="align-center" src="http://api.ning.com:80/files/zc7lfWIbrdZ1gSMyj79gjiB3ZL8pyyYzjuHxGTgzQotU*nbj*dGW9ct4TYamUq-9JS-8I2grrXsUaOqxm01UsBh6wxpZIo6O/HOMEGROWNdiyhomemadedehydratormain.jpg" width="500"/></a></span></p>
<p></p>
<p><span class="font-size-2">I just moved to Bangkok and I'm a foodie. Those two facts explain why I now have a home-built food dehydrator.</span></p>
<p><span class="font-size-2"> </span></p>
<p><span class="font-size-2">The back story: When I moved here from Panama in May of last year, I shipped my belongings. One of those was a large ceramic urn that had to be transported in a wooden packing crate, which the movers built on the spot at the time of loading in Panama. Then, when the urn arrived here at my apartment in Bangkok, the movers asked me, "Do you want to keep the crate?" (I think they had designs on it and were hoping I didn’t.) My response? "You bet I do!" In big cities, durable wooden products like crates are hard to come by but always come in handy.</span></p>
<p><span class="font-size-2"> </span></p>
<p><span class="font-size-2">I didn’t have a specific plan for the crate. I was just going to keep it around until a use came up for it—and one did, straight away. I’ve been experimenting with fasting and organic foods and the like. At Christmas, I did a fast on Koh Samui, an Island in the Gulf of Thailand. At the fast, they had a very large food dehydrator. I was intrigued by the aluminum-paneled interior and the exhaust pump on top.</span></p>
<p><span class="font-size-2"> </span></p>
<p><span class="font-size-2">I love machines, I like building them, and I decided I wanted to build my own dehydrator. When I got home, there was my crate! I decided I wasn't going to measure anything or try to determine what combination of holes, materials, and exhaust fans would produce the optimal temperature and humidity. That would take the fun out of it! Fortunately, I understand the physics of water vapor, metal, wood, and heat-producing elements enough to combine them without too much fuss.</span></p>
<p><span class="font-size-2"> </span></p>
<p><span class="font-size-4"><b>WHAT YOU’LL NEED</b></span></p>
<p><span style="color: #808080;" class="font-size-3"><b>PARTS</b></span></p>
<p><span class="font-size-2">» Wooden crate</span></p>
<p><span class="font-size-2">» Metal brackets</span></p>
<p><span class="font-size-2">» Power strip</span></p>
<p><span class="font-size-2">» Cigarette-lighter charger</span></p>
<p><span class="font-size-2">» 12-volt power pack</span></p>
<p><span class="font-size-2">» 3 light bulbs</span></p>
<p><span class="font-size-2">» 3 ceramic light sockets</span></p>
<p><span class="font-size-2">» 20 feet household electrical wiring</span></p>
<p><span class="font-size-2">» 2 small computer fans</span></p>
<p><span class="font-size-2">» Wood strips for shelving</span></p>
<p><span class="font-size-2">» Metal grates for shelving</span></p>
<p><span class="font-size-2">» Spare plywood for a door</span></p>
<p><span class="font-size-2">» Casters (optional, for portability)</span></p>
<p></p>
<p><span class="font-size-2"><span style="color: #808080;" class="font-size-3"><b>TOOLS</b></span></span></p>
<p><span class="font-size-2">» Drill with drill bits</span></p>
<p><span class="font-size-2">» Hole cutter</span></p>
<p><span class="font-size-2">» Fasteners</span></p>
<p><span class="font-size-2">» Wire nippers</span></p>
<p><span class="font-size-2">» Screwdrivers</span></p>
<p><span class="font-size-2">» Upholstery stapler</span></p>
<p></p>
<p><span class="font-size-2"><a target="_self" href="http://api.ning.com:80/files/zc7lfWIbrdbY0zZfUL1GSGg4amStGgr3pkoIXLTIRdKEMeDur-xM8I5c0pN*Oy3htQ78LQ13422oiaQ*Upq7RgibF1fQcoJN/HOMEGROWNdiyhomemadedehydrator101inside.jpg"><img class="align-center" src="http://api.ning.com:80/files/zc7lfWIbrdbY0zZfUL1GSGg4amStGgr3pkoIXLTIRdKEMeDur-xM8I5c0pN*Oy3htQ78LQ13422oiaQ*Upq7RgibF1fQcoJN/HOMEGROWNdiyhomemadedehydrator101inside.jpg" width="600"/></a></span></p>
<p></p>
<p><span class="font-size-4"><b>WHAT TO DO</b></span></p>
<p><span class="font-size-2">The first thing I did was to assemble the tools I had on hand—most of the list above. Then I went out and bought the light sockets, the wiring, and the fans.</span></p>
<p><span class="font-size-2"> </span></p>
<p><span class="font-size-2">I turned the crate on its side. The original opening—that is, the top—was now on its side and would become the door. Using a 1-inch hole cutter, I then cut three holes about a foot apart in a triangle orientation in the bottom of the crate. I stuck the ceramic light sockets into these holes, where they’re held in place by friction.</span></p>
<p><span class="font-size-2"> </span></p>
<p><span class="font-size-2">Then I individually wired each of those sockets out the bottom of the crate, to a standard plug. I used about a meter of cable for each of the sockets, and I stapled the cables so they ran from the sockets, along the bottom of the crate, and up the back. Then I placed a power strip with a cutoff for each socket on top of the crate. This would allow me to switch each of the three bulbs on and off separately, giving me better controlling the heat in the dehydrator.</span></p>
<p><span class="font-size-2"> </span></p>
<p><span class="font-size-2">My next step was to cut a 2 1/2-inch hole in the top of the crate and screwed one of the computer fans over it, airflow pointing out. I wired the fan to a charger plug meant for a car cigarette lighter that I had sitting around, and I stuck <i>that</i> into the socket of a 12-volt power pack that I use to power telescopes. At the lower corner of the crate, I installed and wired the other fan the same way, but with the airflow pointing into the hole.</span></p>
<p><span class="font-size-2"> </span></p>
<p><span class="font-size-2">Next came the shelves. For these, I screwed wooden strips up the sides of the crate’s interior at a consistent interval before sliding metal grilling racks onto them. None of this was measured, by the way. I got lucky on the fit.</span></p>
<p></p>
<p><span class="font-size-2">On to the door. This was just a piece of plywood. I screwed two metal brackets into the plywood’s upper corners, drilled holes on each side, and installed two aluminum pins in the crate’s front-facing top corners. The metal brackets grab the pins, and the door hangs over the opening. I didn't want to do hinges because I have to put this thing in a narrow space. A door on hinges would swing too wide.</span></p>
<p></p>
<p><span class="font-size-2"><a target="_self" href="http://api.ning.com:80/files/zc7lfWIbrda6jQ7fffqymHUOM2yhTsF5ng43pBlmTBa56MAxiiAK7rDxw8IsQmWho4uFyOAHLINyjuggLq8fkSkaBXqklzBJ/HOMEGROWNdiyhomemadedehydrator101hinge.jpg"><img class="align-center" src="http://api.ning.com:80/files/zc7lfWIbrda6jQ7fffqymHUOM2yhTsF5ng43pBlmTBa56MAxiiAK7rDxw8IsQmWho4uFyOAHLINyjuggLq8fkSkaBXqklzBJ/HOMEGROWNdiyhomemadedehydrator101hinge.jpg" width="600"/></a></span></p>
<p><span class="font-size-2"> </span></p>
<p><span class="font-size-2">I bolted heavy casters onto the bottom of the crate, and then it was finished. My first test run was salmon jerky, and it came out just right. I can't stop peering into the dark room where I keep the dehydrator and seeing the light poking out from around the crate door. I love knowing it's busy making healthy, delicious food.</span></p>
<p><span class="font-size-2"> </span></p>
<p><span class="font-size-4"><b>MORE HOMEGROWN PROJECTS</b></span></p>
<p><span class="font-size-2">• Don’t miss Dr. John’s <a href="http://www.homegrown.org/forum/topics/dehydrating-101" target="_self">Dehydrating 101</a></span></p>
<p><span class="font-size-2">• Got extra wood scraps lying around? Check out Sue’s <a href="http://www.homegrown.org/forum/topics/pallet-wood-chicken-coop-101" target="_self">Pallet Wood Chicken Coop 101</a></span></p>
<p><span class="font-size-2">• or Charlyn’s <a href="http://www.homegrown.org/forum/topics/posting-post-101" target="_self">Posting Post 101</a></span></p>
<p><span class="font-size-2">• or Lisa’s <a href="http://www.homegrown.org/forum/topics/outdoor-dining-table-101" target="_self">Outdoor Dining Table 101</a></span></p>
<p><span class="font-size-2">• or Joshua’s <a href="http://www.homegrown.org/forum/topics/multibin-composter-101" target="_self">Multibin Composter 101</a></span></p>
<p></p>
<p><span class="font-size-4"><b>SPEAK UP!</b></span></p>
<p><span class="font-size-2"><em>Do you have your own blueprints for a homebuilt dehydrator? Or a question for Richard? Post your comments below and keep the conversation chugging! You can always find more things to make, craft, cook, preserve, plant, grow, and staple in the <a href="http://www.homegrown.org/forum" target="_self">HOMEGROWN 101 Library</a>.</em></span></p>
<p><span class="font-size-2"> </span></p>
<p><span class="font-size-2"><span style="color: #808080;">ALL PHOTOS:</span> <a href="http://www.homegrown.org/profile/RichardPierce" target="_self">RICHARD PIERCE</a></span></p>
<p><span class="font-size-2"> </span></p>
<p><a href="//www.pinterest.com/pin/create/extension/"></a></p> Bitters 101tag:www.homegrown.org,2015-03-02:2263119:Topic:1965752015-03-02T20:25:34.742ZEllen Peaveyhttp://www.homegrown.org/profile/EllenPeavey
<p><em><strong><span class="font-size-2">The following 101, on how to make bitters—with a recipe for pine bitters—comes from HOMEGROWN’s flock tender, <a href="http://www.homegrown.org/profile/JJWW" target="_self">Jennifer</a>, whose spirit of choice is gin. The name might have something to do with it.…</span></strong></em></p>
<p></p>
<p></p>
<p><em><strong><span class="font-size-2">The following 101, on how to make bitters—with a recipe for pine bitters—comes from HOMEGROWN’s flock tender, <a href="http://www.homegrown.org/profile/JJWW" target="_self">Jennifer</a>, whose spirit of choice is gin. The name might have something to do with it.</span></strong></em></p>
<p></p>
<p><em><strong><span class="font-size-2"><a target="_self" href="http://api.ning.com:80/files/BYH6s*jgRS-FM*wEZzRNl1RpPHMxGz16XPQxevdvdaiEhkKoJhbNd22m8iHTW2b4IaJ7VRKa0x-xJHhoAt1nh2NjchSr1XVj/HOMEGROWNbittersrecipebottles.jpg"><img class="align-center" src="http://api.ning.com:80/files/BYH6s*jgRS-FM*wEZzRNl1RpPHMxGz16XPQxevdvdaiEhkKoJhbNd22m8iHTW2b4IaJ7VRKa0x-xJHhoAt1nh2NjchSr1XVj/HOMEGROWNbittersrecipebottles.jpg" width="600"/></a></span></strong></em></p>
<p><span class="font-size-2"> </span></p>
<p><span class="font-size-2">I know a fair amount about beer. That’s not necessarily a bad thing, but for me, it also means I know next to nothing about wine or cocktails. Since one of my New Year’s resolutions was to address this grievous issue, I figured what better way to learn more about spirits than to make my own? (OK, yes. There are better ways, including reading volumes of material from legions of experts. I’m doing some of that, too, but I am a hands-on learner. Not to mention a taste-buds learner.)</span></p>
<p><span class="font-size-2"> </span></p>
<p><span class="font-size-2">I quickly stumbled upon the idea of making my own bitters—that broad category of cocktail flavorings that has sprung up like a weed on drink menus of late. Bitters are basically plant parts steeped in high-proof liquors. They’re not unlike medicinal <a href="http://www.homegrown.org/forum/topics/homemade-tinctures-101-echinacea" target="_self">tinctures</a> or <a href="http://www.homegrown.org/forum/topics/homemade-extracts-101-vanilla-peppermint-almond" target="_self">extracts</a> used in baking, other than that they’re intended to be used either as an ingredient in mixed drinks or drunken straight, as a potent digestif. <span class="font-size-2">“</span>Digestif<span class="font-size-2">”</span> is French for “excuse to toss back an extremely boozy after-dinner shot and call it a digestive aid.”</span></p>
<p><span class="font-size-2"> </span></p>
<p><span class="font-size-2">To get a sense of which flavors I liked and which I didn’t, I paid a visit to my neighborhood craft-cocktail supply shop. I’m extremely lucky to live within walking distance of the <a href="http://www.thebostonshaker.com/" target="_blank">Boston Shaker</a>, one of only a few businesses of its kind. There, the shopkeeper poured me tiny samples of all manner of bitters: tangerine, grapefruit, cardamom, habanero, rhubarb, and so on. He told me to think of bitters as the seasoning in my drink: the salt and pepper of cocktails. I liked that.</span></p>
<p><span class="font-size-2"> </span></p>
<p><span class="font-size-2">I went home with orange, black walnut, and traditional Angostura—and the hankering to make my own. More on that shortly. First, the basics.</span></p>
<p><span class="font-size-2"> </span></p>
<p><span class="font-size-5"><b>WHAT GOES INTO BITTERS</b></span></p>
<p><span class="font-size-2"> </span></p>
<p><span class="font-size-2"><span class="font-size-3"><strong>1. Bittering agents.</strong></span> These are what give bitters their sharpness. If bitters were sweet, they wouldn’t really be bitters. That’s what <a href="http://www.homegrown.org/forum/topics/simple-syrup-flavored-syrups-101" target="_self">simple syrups</a> are for. Bittering agents are typically, although not exclusively, dried or woody plant parts. Examples include wormwood, quassia and cinchona bark, and licorice and dandelion root. A lot of this stuff you have to get from an apothecary, such as <a href="https://www.mountainroseherbs.com/" target="_blank">Mountain Rose Herbs</a>. Fortunately, citrus peel also works. In theory, you can use fresh herbs as your bittering agent; think arugula or cilantro. But these items’ tendency to get slimy makes them better left to experienced mixologists. I read a post in which one novice bittermaker who had used fresh herbs in his concoction compared the result to wet socks.</span></p>
<p><span class="font-size-2"> </span></p>
<p><span class="font-size-2"><strong><span class="font-size-3">2. Flavoring agents.</span></strong> This is how you end up with bitters in flavors like rhubarb. Whereas the bittering agents bitter; the flavoring agents flavor. And when it comes to flavors, the world is your oyster. You could opt for earthy (toasted nuts, coffee beans, cocoa nibs), herbaceous (rosemary, dill, thyme—all kinds of good stuff you can <a href="http://www.homegrown.org/page/find-good-food" target="_self">find at the farmers market</a>), floral (chamomile, hibiscus), fruity (dried cranberries, figs), or fragrant (cinnamon, star anise, vanilla beans). <br/></span></p>
<p><span class="font-size-2"> </span></p>
<p><span class="font-size-2"><span class="font-size-3"><strong>3. A high-proof neutral spirit.</strong></span> You need big, powerful booze to do your flavor-extracting and your preserving, so you want to choose a liquor that's at least 100 proof. You also want the spirit to be neutral in flavor so that it doesn’t cover up the taste of your chosen ingredients. (If you think about it, gin is basically vodka bittered by juniper.) Your best choices here are Everclear or vodka.</span></p>
<p><span class="font-size-2"> </span></p>
<p><span class="font-size-5"><b>BITTERING METHODS</b></span></p>
<p><span class="font-size-2"> </span></p>
<p><span class="font-size-2"><strong><span class="font-size-3">1. One thing at a time.</span></strong> The experts will tell you to make lots of different bitters and <i>then</i> mix them together, once the individual parts are done. For example, you would combine a few dashes each of homemade rose petal bitters, sandalwood bitters, lavender bitters, and orange bitters to approximate a popular 18th-century bitters recipe. The professionals like this method for its precision, as different ingredients—for example, the rose petals and the orange peel—infuse at different rates.</span></p>
<p><span class="font-size-2"> </span></p>
<p><span class="font-size-2"><span class="font-size-3"><strong>2. All in.</strong></span> I’m no expert, but I didn’t really want to spend the vodka money or the time on lots of different bitters that might not turn out. So, for my maiden voyage, I went whole hog. I combined all of my ingredients in one jar, shook it often, tasted daily to try to catch my infusion at its flavor peak, and hoped for the best. Fortunately, my best turned out pretty dang well. </span></p>
<p><span class="font-size-2"> </span></p>
<p><span class="font-size-5"><strong>HOW TO MAKE BITTERS: THE BASICS</strong></span></p>
<p><span class="font-size-2"> </span></p>
<p><span class="font-size-2">Because every bittering ingredient has its own optimal infusing time, every recipe is different. That said, there are some general guidelines you can follow. First, chop, crack, split, or mash any dried goodies you're using. Exposing more surfaces lets all of that delicious flavor out! Next, put your bittering and flavoring agents in a jar—ideally, a dark glass jar to keep light out. Cover your ingredients with vodka. The classic tincture formula is 1 part dried botanicals to 5 parts liquor; 1 part fresh botanicals to 2 parts liquor. If you’re making multiple jars of bitters, label each so you know which is which. Also make sure to jot down dates and recipes. Keep the jar out of direct sunlight and shake it vigorously once a day. After a couple of days, give it a taste. I dunked a clean spoon in the jar then licked it. Keep sampling daily; this is scientific research! It's also totally subjective: When you like what you taste, you’re golden. Strain out the solids and bingo: bitters. Stored in a dark bottle out of direct sunlight, your bitters has a virtually unlimited shelf life. Cheers!</span></p>
<p><span class="font-size-5"> </span></p>
<p><span class="font-size-5"><b>RECIPE: PINE BITTERS</b></span></p>
<p><span class="font-size-2"> </span></p>
<p><span class="font-size-2">As any good forager will tell you, don’t eat anything you can’t absolutely, positively identify. In other words, don’t try this at home. Got it? Good. Moving on.</span></p>
<p><span class="font-size-2"> </span></p>
<p><span class="font-size-2">After having one of the best cocktails of my life—a pine gimlet, made with gin, condensed yogurt whey, and white pine syrup—at <a href="http://vinland.me/" target="_blank">Vinland</a>, in Portland, Maine, my general interest in bitters took on a singular obsession. I would make pine bitters. Fortunately, the very next night brought one of our now weekly New England snowstorms, which knocked some pristine pine boughs out of the trees. I picked up a few branches in areas with absolutely no animal tracks near them. Then I washed them like crazy before using them as follows.</span></p>
<p><span class="font-size-2"> </span></p>
<p><span class="font-size-3"><b>WHAT YOU’LL NEED</b></span></p>
<p></p>
<p><span style="color: #808080;" class="font-size-2"><strong>INGREDIENTS</strong></span></p>
<p><span class="font-size-2">» Peel of 1 clementine, cut into 1/4-inch pieces (This was my bittering agent.)</span></p>
<p><span class="font-size-2">» 6 whole black peppercorns</span></p>
<p><span class="font-size-2">» 1 Tbsp white pine needles</span></p>
<p><span class="font-size-2">» 1 Tbsp Balsam fir needles</span></p>
<p><span class="font-size-2">» 100 proof vodka</span></p>
<p><span class="font-size-2"> </span></p>
<p><span style="color: #808080;"><strong><span class="font-size-2">TOOLS</span></strong></span></p>
<p><span class="font-size-2">» small jar with a secure lid (I used a yeast jar.)</span></p>
<p><span class="font-size-2">» another small jar, ideally with a dropper (I used an old elderberry syrup jar.)</span></p>
<p><span class="font-size-2">» funnel</span></p>
<p><span class="font-size-2">» metal strainer</span></p>
<p><span class="font-size-2"> </span></p>
<p><span class="font-size-3"><b>WHAT TO DO</b></span></p>
<p><span class="font-size-2"><b> </b></span></p>
<p><span class="font-size-2"><span class="font-size-3"><strong>1.</strong></span> Collect your ingredients. Wash the pine needles and the clementine <em>thoroughly</em> and run your jars through the dishwasher to sterilize them. Using scissors, cut any long pine needles into 1-inch pieces.</span></p>
<p><span class="font-size-2"> </span></p>
<p><span class="font-size-2"><a target="_self" href="http://api.ning.com:80/files/BYH6s*jgRS*pfbR2p54DnZcXBxEgUpU0vxWbg*8ZiW*LCJ7*uIOGxEgsBXOZu5mpxgIN6LaTgU8B125kid-xH5*8p1QljmFP/HOMEGROWNbittersrecipeingredients.jpg"><img class="align-center" src="http://api.ning.com:80/files/BYH6s*jgRS*pfbR2p54DnZcXBxEgUpU0vxWbg*8ZiW*LCJ7*uIOGxEgsBXOZu5mpxgIN6LaTgU8B125kid-xH5*8p1QljmFP/HOMEGROWNbittersrecipeingredients.jpg" width="600"/></a></span></p>
<p></p>
<p><span class="font-size-2"><span class="font-size-3"><strong>2.</strong></span> Put the first four ingredients in a dark glass bottle and top with vodka. Screw the lid on tight and give the jar a good shake.</span></p>
<p></p>
<p><span class="font-size-2"><a target="_self" href="http://api.ning.com:80/files/BYH6s*jgRS-N1QDVO485qCoFFHN00OwThcUOlhojilcOCIo*LxQ*mF2z0KEz163uWj4K5r76M2m6qnmuhvxZg1T7-xs8Tow7/HOMEGROWNbittersrecipeready.jpg"><img class="align-center" src="http://api.ning.com:80/files/BYH6s*jgRS-N1QDVO485qCoFFHN00OwThcUOlhojilcOCIo*LxQ*mF2z0KEz163uWj4K5r76M2m6qnmuhvxZg1T7-xs8Tow7/HOMEGROWNbittersrecipeready.jpg" width="600"/></a></span></p>
<p><span class="font-size-2"> </span></p>
<p><span class="font-size-2"><span class="font-size-3"><strong>3.</strong></span> Set the jar somewhere out of direct sunlight and give it a vigorous shake once a day. I started tasting my bitters around day 4, and it already had a nice, piney scent. In fact, since I’m not much of a vodka drinker, I had my husband taste it at well. No, he reassured me, plain vodka really doesn’t have a flavor. So yes, he said, what I was tasting were my ingredients at work. By day 7, I picked up even stronger pine notes. By day 15, I decided I had a winner.</span></p>
<p><span class="font-size-2"> </span></p>
<p><span class="font-size-2"><span class="font-size-3"><strong>4.</strong></span> Using a metal strainer, pour the infused liquid into your fresh and clean jar, catching and discarding any solids. (The second photo below shows my leftovers.)<br/></span></p>
<p></p>
<p><span class="font-size-2"><a target="_self" href="http://api.ning.com:80/files/BYH6s*jgRS9G5Np1EcHNMANPBOyYrZg3MK7Zf0vA12aDB01yaY*VZyGsGYlp850Tm6oa-2GDRV7UQIcSoGaRSyh8Dx8iN*oe/HOMEGROWNbittersrecipepour.jpg"><img class="align-center" src="http://api.ning.com:80/files/BYH6s*jgRS9G5Np1EcHNMANPBOyYrZg3MK7Zf0vA12aDB01yaY*VZyGsGYlp850Tm6oa-2GDRV7UQIcSoGaRSyh8Dx8iN*oe/HOMEGROWNbittersrecipepour.jpg" width="600"/></a></span><a target="_self" href="http://api.ning.com:80/files/BYH6s*jgRS-72JC9VDZ2iSkA2fZ-ThHP8yOGItHCX9guOwcc10FrgPFFL1lobYlpMv--6PYaxccyTaPjmQrWnWG71MPLbvvO/HOMEGROWNbittersrecipeleftovers.jpg"><img class="align-center" src="http://api.ning.com:80/files/BYH6s*jgRS-72JC9VDZ2iSkA2fZ-ThHP8yOGItHCX9guOwcc10FrgPFFL1lobYlpMv--6PYaxccyTaPjmQrWnWG71MPLbvvO/HOMEGROWNbittersrecipeleftovers.jpg" width="600"/></a></p>
<p><span class="font-size-2"> </span></p>
<p><span class="font-size-2"><span class="font-size-3"><strong>5.</strong></span> Label and store your bitters out of direct sunlight, and it should keep indefinitely. I’m planning on mixing a dash of my pine bitters with gin, some simple syrup, and an egg white—another one not to try at home. But a gin and pine tonic sounds pretty good, too. Bottoms up!</span></p>
<p></p>
<p><span class="font-size-2"><a target="_self" href="http://api.ning.com:80/files/BYH6s*jgRS9Wi*dZfYJD5k2PDKRk4FFT81qN0VQisjyom8mwlqXzSr4Vc5N*QqQecAGr3z7bKaV3w6XZWhYbokvUNTsEssJl/HOMEGROWNbittersrecipeplants.jpg"><img class="align-center" src="http://api.ning.com:80/files/BYH6s*jgRS9Wi*dZfYJD5k2PDKRk4FFT81qN0VQisjyom8mwlqXzSr4Vc5N*QqQecAGr3z7bKaV3w6XZWhYbokvUNTsEssJl/HOMEGROWNbittersrecipeplants.jpg" width="600"/></a></span></p>
<p><span class="font-size-2"> </span></p>
<p><span class="font-size-5"><b>MORE FROM HOMEGROWN &amp; BEYOND</b></span></p>
<p><span class="font-size-2">• Don’t miss Nora’s <a href="http://www.homegrown.org/forum/topics/homemade-tinctures-101-echinacea" target="_self">Tinctures 101</a></span></p>
<p><span class="font-size-2">• or Black Cat Cottage’s <a href="http://www.homegrown.org/forum/topics/homemade-extracts-101-vanilla-peppermint-almond" target="_self">Extracts 101</a></span></p>
<p><span class="font-size-2">• or Cynthia’s <a href="http://www.homegrown.org/forum/topics/simple-syrup-flavored-syrups-101" target="_self">Simple Syrups and Flavored Syrups 101</a></span></p>
<p><span class="font-size-2">• or 101s on making your own <a href="http://www.homegrown.org/forum/topics/mulled-wine-recipe-101" target="_self">mulled wine</a>, <a href="http://www.homegrown.org/forum/topics/green-tomato-wine-101" target="_self">green tomato wine</a>, <span class="font-size-2"><a href="http://www.homegrown.org/forum/topics/simple-margarita-101-lime-margaritas-grapefruit-margaritas" target="_self">margaritas</a>,</span> <a href="http://www.homegrown.org/forum/topics/homemade-coffee-liqueur-101-kahlua-style" target="_self">homemade Kahlúa</a>, and <a href="http://www.homegrown.org/forum/topics/mead-101" target="_self">mead</a></span><span class="font-size-2">.</span></p>
<p><span class="font-size-2">• For more bitters tips and recipes, check out the books <i><a href="http://drunkenbotanist.com/" target="_blank">The Drunken Botanist</a></i> and <i><a href="http://btparsons.com/bitters/" target="_blank">Bitters</a></i></span><span class="font-size-2">.</span></p>
<p></p>
<p><span class="font-size-2"><b><span class="font-size-5">SPEAK UP!</span></b></span></p>
<p><em><strong><span class="font-size-2">Got your own bitters method or ingredient combination to share? Post it below! You can always find more things to make, craft, cook, bake, plant, grow, and infuse in the <a href="http://www.homegrown.org/forum" target="_self">HOMEGROWN 101 library</a>!</span></strong></em></p>
<p><span class="font-size-2"> </span></p>
<p><span class="font-size-2"><span style="color: #808080;">ALL PHOTOS:</span> <a href="http://www.homegrown.org/profile/JJWW">JENNIFER</a></span></p>
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<p></p>
<p><a href="//www.pinterest.com/pin/create/extension/"></a></p> Help! We Need Your Community Garden Tips!tag:www.homegrown.org,2015-02-04:2263119:Topic:1959302015-02-04T15:49:50.584ZEllen Peaveyhttp://www.homegrown.org/profile/EllenPeavey
<p><span class="font-size-2"><strong><a href="http://api.ning.com:80/files/pPSIfXxESuz6t9tNyLivcTQ1bNUgUlwmjd7JriH2k2VHXyX4HlzU0hC7MY9HWOjZagVJNDxyCUPDXyvg9fvC3X8mug*qVuzx/HOMEGROWNcommunitygarden101.jpg" target="_self"><img class="align-center" src="http://api.ning.com:80/files/pPSIfXxESuz6t9tNyLivcTQ1bNUgUlwmjd7JriH2k2VHXyX4HlzU0hC7MY9HWOjZagVJNDxyCUPDXyvg9fvC3X8mug*qVuzx/HOMEGROWNcommunitygarden101.jpg" width="700"></img></a></strong></span></p>
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<p><span class="font-size-2"><strong>HOMEGROWN needs you! Sure, we have 101s on everything from <a href="http://www.homegrown.org/forum/topics/community-building-101" target="_self">community building</a> to…</strong></span></p>
<p><span class="font-size-2"><strong><a target="_self" href="http://api.ning.com:80/files/pPSIfXxESuz6t9tNyLivcTQ1bNUgUlwmjd7JriH2k2VHXyX4HlzU0hC7MY9HWOjZagVJNDxyCUPDXyvg9fvC3X8mug*qVuzx/HOMEGROWNcommunitygarden101.jpg"><img class="align-center" src="http://api.ning.com:80/files/pPSIfXxESuz6t9tNyLivcTQ1bNUgUlwmjd7JriH2k2VHXyX4HlzU0hC7MY9HWOjZagVJNDxyCUPDXyvg9fvC3X8mug*qVuzx/HOMEGROWNcommunitygarden101.jpg" width="700"/></a></strong></span></p>
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<p><span class="font-size-2"><strong>HOMEGROWN needs you! Sure, we have 101s on everything from <a href="http://www.homegrown.org/forum/topics/community-building-101" target="_self">community building</a> to <a href="http://www.homegrown.org/forum/topics/how-to-start-a-csa-101-even-if-you-dont-have-a-farm" target="_self">starting a CSA</a>, but we don’t have a Community Garden 101. Although launching a communal plot might sound like common sense—gather friends, find a space, get planting—there are logistics to consider. (Hello, zoning!)</strong></span></p>
<p></p>
<p><span class="font-size-2"><strong>That's where you come in. We want your tips on all aspects of starting and running a community garden: securing land, enlisting friends, deciding who pays for water and seeds. Post your best advice using the comments box below. We’ll take all of your excellent suggestions and compile them into a new 101.</strong></span></p>
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<p><span class="font-size-2"><strong>When you think about it, this project is an online community garden . . . of knowledge. (What? Too much?) How about this one: We can't wait to hear your <em>sage</em> advice. (Insert your groans here.) Thanks, everybody!</strong></span></p>
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<p><span class="font-size-2"><span style="color: #808080;">PHOTO:</span> <a href="http://www.homegrown.org/photo/growing-station-community?context=user" target="_self">SALLIE GORDON</a><br/></span></p>
<p></p> Homemade Snow Cones 101 (With Real Snow!)tag:www.homegrown.org,2015-01-28:2263119:Topic:1956572015-01-28T17:22:39.323ZEllen Peaveyhttp://www.homegrown.org/profile/EllenPeavey
<p><em><strong><span class="font-size-2">The following 101, a snow cone recipe involving real snow and homemade simple syrup, comes from HOMEGROWN's flock tender, <a href="http://www.homegrown.org/profile/JJWW?xg_source=profiles_memberList" target="_self">Jennifer</a>, whose favorite flavor combo is half coconut, half banana. …</span></strong></em></p>
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<p></p>
<p><em><strong><span class="font-size-2">The following 101, a snow cone recipe involving real snow and homemade simple syrup, comes from HOMEGROWN's flock tender, <a href="http://www.homegrown.org/profile/JJWW?xg_source=profiles_memberList" target="_self">Jennifer</a>, whose favorite flavor combo is half coconut, half banana. </span></strong></em></p>
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<p><a href="http://api.ning.com:80/files/JUluVB-wEZRx2Ojp2A0rg8*6YdVKxlXahgqtFSRx4A0ayhHlyZ3RORWAHUezPpUgYtMW3GaBC7ut8ocNFmN-oP*s0D6gWv35/HOMEGROWNsnowconerecipelead.jpg" target="_self"><img src="http://api.ning.com:80/files/JUluVB-wEZRx2Ojp2A0rg8*6YdVKxlXahgqtFSRx4A0ayhHlyZ3RORWAHUezPpUgYtMW3GaBC7ut8ocNFmN-oP*s0D6gWv35/HOMEGROWNsnowconerecipelead.jpg" width="700" class="align-center"/></a></p>
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<p><span class="font-size-2">I usually think of sno-cones as the ideal treat for a blisteringly hot day, but they’re perfect for winter, too—and somehow even sweeter—when you make them with actual snow.</span></p>
<p><span class="font-size-2"> </span></p>
<p><span class="font-size-2">Mother Nature certainly trumped manmade yesterday, when the blizzard of 2015 dumped two feet of some of the softest, lightest, fluffiest snow I’ve ever seen right on my back stairs, ripe for the harvesting. Fouling up that pristine powder with high-fructose corn syrup wasn’t an option, so I set about making a couple of all-natural simple syrups worthy of real snow (with a "W") cones. </span></p>
<p><span class="font-size-2"> </span></p>
<p><span class="font-size-2">Parents, making your own sno-cones is not only a kid-friendly activity but also a great way to keep pint-sized culinarians occupied on snow days. (These simple syrups work nicely in adult sno-cones, AKA cocktails, too.) My beet simple syrup and cranberry-orange simple syrup turned out as vibrant as they were delicious, but the possibilities are endless. If you try another flavor combo, post your proportions below and share your success! </span></p>
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<p><span class="font-size-2"><a href="http://api.ning.com:80/files/JUluVB-wEZRRc-xdUXCizBFv23wX5csGb4QYdj3-O8im2nFNWunKZnFpKlw9sxuIuZTiqZtJyvOxNAn8wSdZLOiZDZR2k6Ze/HOMEGROWNsnowconerecipeIMG_5818.jpg" target="_self"><img src="http://api.ning.com:80/files/JUluVB-wEZRRc-xdUXCizBFv23wX5csGb4QYdj3-O8im2nFNWunKZnFpKlw9sxuIuZTiqZtJyvOxNAn8wSdZLOiZDZR2k6Ze/HOMEGROWNsnowconerecipeIMG_5818.jpg" width="700" class="align-center"/></a></span></p>
<p><span class="font-size-2"> </span></p>
<p><span class="font-size-5"><b>WHAT YOU’LL NEED</b></span></p>
<p><span class="font-size-2">» snow</span></p>
<p><span class="font-size-2">» an ice cream scoop</span></p>
<p><span class="font-size-2">» simple syrup (see below)</span></p>
<p><span class="font-size-2"> </span></p>
<p><strong><span class="font-size-3">FOR BEET SIMPLE SYRUP</span></strong></p>
<p><span class="font-size-2">» 5 or 6 beets, peeled</span></p>
<p><span class="font-size-2">» 3 cups organic cane sugar (You could use less, but this ratio yields a nice flavor.)</span></p>
<p><span class="font-size-2">» water</span></p>
<p></p>
<p><span class="font-size-2"><img src="http://api.ning.com:80/files/JUluVB-wEZR*5LSQ2R1apjnr3JXrvKJ7tE4OwoZBzmdjgT8ThDc-TR3*sh1S0KuMJuxshLyh*CjK8M38Sb9BsmnCo7bXYP4k/HOMEGROWNsnowconerecipeIMG_5795.jpg" width="700" class="align-center"/></span></p>
<p><span class="font-size-2"> </span></p>
<p><span class="font-size-2">Put the beets and the sugar in a medium saucepan. Add just enough water to cover. Simmer over medium heat until the beets soften a bit, about 30 minutes. Remove from heat and use a slotted spoon to transfer the beets onto a plate to cool. (I saved these to make <strong><a href="http://www.homegrown.org/profiles/blogs/four-beet-recipes-to-brighten-late-winter" target="_self">Kirsten’s orange-spiked beet and walnut spread</a></strong>.) Strain the syrup into a container and let cool to room temperature. This simple syrup will keep in the fridge for a week or so.</span></p>
<p></p>
<p><span class="font-size-2"><a href="http://api.ning.com:80/files/JUluVB-wEZSLPiFnBqpC457QQ-G0OhYpSZQqgmSDY6e7Mbyq2En8-2ftwmnmtGjgsVW-lFsGFjVfMcRUZT7Pq43B9hQ4i5BV/HOMEGROWNsnowconerecipeIMG_5800.jpg" target="_self"><img src="http://api.ning.com:80/files/JUluVB-wEZSLPiFnBqpC457QQ-G0OhYpSZQqgmSDY6e7Mbyq2En8-2ftwmnmtGjgsVW-lFsGFjVfMcRUZT7Pq43B9hQ4i5BV/HOMEGROWNsnowconerecipeIMG_5800.jpg" width="700" class="align-center"/></a></span></p>
<p><a href="http://api.ning.com:80/files/JUluVB-wEZRws3v5iP7ZK2K52AyKFmIB7gRz2vkoV1PbK0ur1A-4DvWHDnGTln-JKaKvVaIi8gUykB-8tmYUNTTSLi7mK7ec/HOMEGROWNsnowconerecipeIMG_5801.jpg" target="_self"><img src="http://api.ning.com:80/files/JUluVB-wEZRws3v5iP7ZK2K52AyKFmIB7gRz2vkoV1PbK0ur1A-4DvWHDnGTln-JKaKvVaIi8gUykB-8tmYUNTTSLi7mK7ec/HOMEGROWNsnowconerecipeIMG_5801.jpg" width="700" class="align-center"/></a></p>
<p><a href="http://api.ning.com:80/files/JUluVB-wEZTnXJyY9UgmeB4RiL*pLP6qT28s-uJCNDVWBTxOQcn4xf3B*tQP7KA3zluKYqjaVWS25zYcI3aWM2cA*8HO7B9*/HOMEGROWNsnowconerecipeIMG_5802.jpg" target="_self"><img src="http://api.ning.com:80/files/JUluVB-wEZTnXJyY9UgmeB4RiL*pLP6qT28s-uJCNDVWBTxOQcn4xf3B*tQP7KA3zluKYqjaVWS25zYcI3aWM2cA*8HO7B9*/HOMEGROWNsnowconerecipeIMG_5802.jpg" width="700" class="align-center"/></a></p>
<p><a href="http://api.ning.com:80/files/JUluVB-wEZQrmYRdnLCO9NAMdGjXuG3PJDhyi4BL62x-*Utya*V7nRpV52DIDxLpsRkApnTdISH0L-PJb8BteYho5WMniEYj/HOMEGROWNsnowconerecipeIMG_5809.jpg" target="_self"><img src="http://api.ning.com:80/files/JUluVB-wEZQrmYRdnLCO9NAMdGjXuG3PJDhyi4BL62x-*Utya*V7nRpV52DIDxLpsRkApnTdISH0L-PJb8BteYho5WMniEYj/HOMEGROWNsnowconerecipeIMG_5809.jpg" width="700" class="align-center"/></a></p>
<p><a href="http://api.ning.com:80/files/JUluVB-wEZTWayMqAbTms3RZSLyT4nvxyhOb030AAw6*7gsWy1eLNN4zZHTYXT*ZP4-qmOkQ6CjRRM-da5Aeiq4GTmmQKexW/HOMEGROWNsnowconerecipeIMG_5811.jpg" target="_self"><img src="http://api.ning.com:80/files/JUluVB-wEZTWayMqAbTms3RZSLyT4nvxyhOb030AAw6*7gsWy1eLNN4zZHTYXT*ZP4-qmOkQ6CjRRM-da5Aeiq4GTmmQKexW/HOMEGROWNsnowconerecipeIMG_5811.jpg" width="700" class="align-center"/></a></p>
<p></p>
<p><strong style="font-size: 12pt;">FOR CRANBERRY ORANGE SIMPLE SYRUP</strong></p>
<p><span class="font-size-2">» 1 cup fresh or frozen cranberries (I used frozen)</span></p>
<p><span class="font-size-2">» peel from half an orange</span></p>
<p><span class="font-size-2">» zest from the other half</span></p>
<p><span class="font-size-2">» 1 cup organic cane sugar</span></p>
<p><span class="font-size-2">» 1 cup water</span></p>
<p></p>
<p><span class="font-size-2"><a href="http://api.ning.com:80/files/JUluVB-wEZSIbeBlxxYAh0Ogy-IZ4STWpQxqxnD26bK2iYZwVDvNlhZft7covCfyjk2WKjlbznG7MGtdpA4eVuv5dYeOjYg1/HOMEGROWNsnowconerecipeIMG_5812.jpg" target="_self"><img src="http://api.ning.com:80/files/JUluVB-wEZSIbeBlxxYAh0Ogy-IZ4STWpQxqxnD26bK2iYZwVDvNlhZft7covCfyjk2WKjlbznG7MGtdpA4eVuv5dYeOjYg1/HOMEGROWNsnowconerecipeIMG_5812.jpg" width="700" class="align-center"/></a></span></p>
<p><span class="font-size-2"> </span></p>
<p><span class="font-size-2">Put the cranberries, orange peel, zest, sugar, and water in a medium saucepan and bring to a boil. Turn the heat down to low and simmer until most of the cranberries have burst, about 15 minutes. Remove from heat. You can reserve the fruit for other kitchen projects; I saved mine for a twist on <strong><a href="http://www.homegrown.org/forum/topics/mulled-wine-recipe-101" target="_self">mulled wine</a></strong>. Strain the liquid into a container and let cool to room temperature. This simple syrup will keep in the fridge for a week or so.</span></p>
<p></p>
<p><span class="font-size-2"><a href="http://api.ning.com:80/files/JUluVB-wEZQB4dSPRfs60SsXoQ1*W15oajRQY2p0dA3rhs5U4JIbshf34*snsfkZEGmKSJNMBNV1WCFX1lvNrXEZYzjw-uhc/HOMEGROWNsnowconerecipeIMG_5815.jpg" target="_self"><img src="http://api.ning.com:80/files/JUluVB-wEZQB4dSPRfs60SsXoQ1*W15oajRQY2p0dA3rhs5U4JIbshf34*snsfkZEGmKSJNMBNV1WCFX1lvNrXEZYzjw-uhc/HOMEGROWNsnowconerecipeIMG_5815.jpg" width="700" class="align-center"/></a></span></p>
<p><a href="http://api.ning.com:80/files/JUluVB-wEZTKehZXR4XXcnS6pWZazpT7*tu0MCrfxGFaFX14t4bx5WJGmglX7cQYVgm5IHAUWdLPLyNwSOhvoGq6PZ81IBQG/HOMEGROWNsnowconerecipeIMG_5819.jpg" target="_self"><img src="http://api.ning.com:80/files/JUluVB-wEZTKehZXR4XXcnS6pWZazpT7*tu0MCrfxGFaFX14t4bx5WJGmglX7cQYVgm5IHAUWdLPLyNwSOhvoGq6PZ81IBQG/HOMEGROWNsnowconerecipeIMG_5819.jpg" width="700" class="align-center"/></a></p>
<p><a href="http://api.ning.com:80/files/JUluVB-wEZSfxdRdsr5qW2l40igfPU38io2sCHtIt2Db2O-OrW8W20nLUaOBzq2zu3emVk4ik7zuT3f68-jhOzoB9MP0nTjD/HOMEGROWNsnowconerecipeIMG_5822.jpg" target="_self"><img src="http://api.ning.com:80/files/JUluVB-wEZSfxdRdsr5qW2l40igfPU38io2sCHtIt2Db2O-OrW8W20nLUaOBzq2zu3emVk4ik7zuT3f68-jhOzoB9MP0nTjD/HOMEGROWNsnowconerecipeIMG_5822.jpg" width="700" class="align-center"/></a></p>
<p><a href="http://api.ning.com:80/files/JUluVB-wEZQSa1FMKi1YzFYqWsQoykRLLe1UUxUNJb9pvLrVZnRSQ-Bi9-XzmqdHCH30LIdbq5AXBgtNvuOSn6q-tw4zjp79/HOMEGROWNsnowconerecipeIMG_5823.jpg" target="_self"><img src="http://api.ning.com:80/files/JUluVB-wEZQSa1FMKi1YzFYqWsQoykRLLe1UUxUNJb9pvLrVZnRSQ-Bi9-XzmqdHCH30LIdbq5AXBgtNvuOSn6q-tw4zjp79/HOMEGROWNsnowconerecipeIMG_5823.jpg" width="700" class="align-center"/></a></p>
<p><span class="font-size-2"> </span></p>
<p></p>
<p><span class="font-size-5"><b>WHAT TO DO</b></span></p>
<p><span class="font-size-2"><strong><span class="font-size-3">1.</span></strong> Locate some fresh, undisturbed snow and scoop away. (Yep, you're using actual outdoor precipitation, so find the freshest stuff you can and proceed at your own risk.) </span></p>
<p></p>
<p><span class="font-size-2"><a href="http://api.ning.com:80/files/JUluVB-wEZTeBDln7VKhrfimIvNEXAYWz59IPtEdU1E3neSzQ6bNkZLFpTLJlJ2Q429oV-msbP5F8X3bM4jtB0TXDwgPMhQ6/HOMEGROWNsnowconerecipeIMG_5827.jpg" target="_self"><img src="http://api.ning.com:80/files/JUluVB-wEZTeBDln7VKhrfimIvNEXAYWz59IPtEdU1E3neSzQ6bNkZLFpTLJlJ2Q429oV-msbP5F8X3bM4jtB0TXDwgPMhQ6/HOMEGROWNsnowconerecipeIMG_5827.jpg" width="700" class="align-center"/></a></span></p>
<p><span class="font-size-2"> </span></p>
<p><span class="font-size-2"><span class="font-size-3"><strong>2.</strong></span> Make haste when adding syrup. Snow melts fast!</span></p>
<p></p>
<p><span class="font-size-2"><a href="http://api.ning.com:80/files/JUluVB-wEZTImibZvfUkxJ30tQP4UJ-F9jxHbDmk7Fs*rYGyxZLG3Qrtcj0nyDbQAIR3Fe7d39j2Fi7CBWN87Aaw-rnGv8ad/HOMEGROWNsnowconerecipeIMG_5832.jpg" target="_self"><img src="http://api.ning.com:80/files/JUluVB-wEZTImibZvfUkxJ30tQP4UJ-F9jxHbDmk7Fs*rYGyxZLG3Qrtcj0nyDbQAIR3Fe7d39j2Fi7CBWN87Aaw-rnGv8ad/HOMEGROWNsnowconerecipeIMG_5832.jpg" width="700" class="align-center"/></a></span></p>
<p><a href="http://api.ning.com:80/files/JUluVB-wEZRKrAeFYFRfhhoon6-fQBvEu7wtry3wvmxbagczitS2opRche9Qyh6maa3wsAyucO8bSIEI031ZHiSk7TEN1-h9/HOMEGROWNsnowconerecipeIMG_5835.jpg" target="_self"><img src="http://api.ning.com:80/files/JUluVB-wEZRKrAeFYFRfhhoon6-fQBvEu7wtry3wvmxbagczitS2opRche9Qyh6maa3wsAyucO8bSIEI031ZHiSk7TEN1-h9/HOMEGROWNsnowconerecipeIMG_5835.jpg" width="700" class="align-center"/></a></p>
<p><span class="font-size-2"> </span></p>
<p><span class="font-size-2"><strong><span class="font-size-3">3.</span> </strong>Mix sparingly to stir your flavoring into the ice. (The more you mix, the faster the snow melts!)<br/></span></p>
<p></p>
<p><a href="http://api.ning.com:80/files/JUluVB-wEZRPurxKt0etGAPwW3FnuGIXGDH5TbUrZv5J-gHu6cPCA7LBeao1Qe-ysyKSJbIpuPu1mR9lHKRTMhXPxQFsyDcp/HOMEGROWNsnowconerecipeIMG_5845.jpg" target="_self"><img src="http://api.ning.com:80/files/JUluVB-wEZRPurxKt0etGAPwW3FnuGIXGDH5TbUrZv5J-gHu6cPCA7LBeao1Qe-ysyKSJbIpuPu1mR9lHKRTMhXPxQFsyDcp/HOMEGROWNsnowconerecipeIMG_5845.jpg" width="700" class="align-center"/></a></p>
<p></p>
<p><strong style="font-size: 12pt;">4.</strong><span style="font-size: 12pt;"> </span><span class="font-size-2">Enjoy!</span></p>
<p></p>
<p><a href="http://api.ning.com:80/files/JUluVB-wEZTppPNjtD*Dh3v1Xdy9aS2goLwD66wca9JXVvlJ9lKBW5zbyjiP-*Ljea3vLy6FsII7d8usu8O6d6js7y-gHgx4/newfinal.jpg" target="_self"><img src="http://api.ning.com:80/files/JUluVB-wEZTppPNjtD*Dh3v1Xdy9aS2goLwD66wca9JXVvlJ9lKBW5zbyjiP-*Ljea3vLy6FsII7d8usu8O6d6js7y-gHgx4/newfinal.jpg" width="700" class="align-center"/></a></p>
<p></p>
<p></p>
<p><strong><span class="font-size-4">MORE HOMEGROWN GOODNESS</span></strong></p>
<p><strong><em><span class="font-size-2">Got a question or another syrup recipe to share? Post it below and join the conversation!</span></em></strong></p>
<p></p>
<p><strong style="font-size: 10pt;">• </strong><a href="http://www.homegrown.org/page/find-good-food" target="_self">Find family farmer–grown beets</a> and other simple-syrup fixings near you.</p>
<p><span style="font-size: 10pt;"><span class="font-size-3">•</span> For more all-natural flavors, check out Cynthia's excellent </span><a href="http://www.homegrown.org/forum/topics/simple-syrup-flavored-syrups-101" target="_self">Simple and Flavored Syrups 101</a>.</p>
<p><span class="font-size-3">•</span> <span class="font-size-2">And her <a href="http://www.homegrown.org/forum/topics/homemade-chocolate-syrup-101" target="_self">Homemade Chocolate Syrup 101</a>.</span></p>
<p><span class="font-size-2"><span class="font-size-3">•</span> <span class="font-size-2">Don't miss Black Cat Cottage's <a href="http://www.homegrown.org/forum/topics/homemade-extracts-101-vanilla-peppermint-almond" target="_self">Homemade Extracts 101</a>.</span></span></p>
<p><span class="font-size-2"><span class="font-size-2"><span class="font-size-3">•</span> Or the <a href="http://www.homegrown.org/forum/topics/how-to-make-sweetened-condensed-milk-101-evaporated-milk" target="_self">Sweetened Condensed Milk 101</a>.</span></span></p>
<p><span class="font-size-3">• <span class="font-size-2">You might also be interested in Christa's <a href="http://www.homegrown.org/forum/topics/maple-tapping-and-syrup-making-101-1" target="_self">Maple Tapping and Sugaring 101</a>.</span></span></p>
<p><span class="font-size-3">• <span class="font-size-2">You can always find more things to cook, preserve, make, craft, plant, grow, and scoop in the <a href="http://www.homegrown.org/forum" target="_self">HOMEGROWN 101 library</a>!</span></span></p>
<p></p>
<p><span style="font-size: 10pt; color: #808080;">ALL PHOTOS: </span><a href="http://www.homegrown.org/profile/JJWW?xg_source=profiles_memberList" target="_self" style="font-size: 10pt;">JENNIFER</a><span style="color: #808080;">, WITH SPECIAL THANKS TO <a href="http://www.homegrown.org/profile/JenniferFahy?xg_source=profiles_memberList" target="_self">JEN F.</a> FOR THE SUGGESTION! </span></p>
<p></p> Stone Soup 101 (aka Garbage Soup, Trash Can Soup, etc.)tag:www.homegrown.org,2015-01-05:2263119:Topic:1945952015-01-05T18:47:56.145ZEllen Peaveyhttp://www.homegrown.org/profile/EllenPeavey
<p><em><span class="font-size-2"><b>This 101, on how to make stone soup (aka garbage soup, trash can soup, etc.), comes from the HOMEGROWN test kitchen. Post your own group soup tips in the comments section below!…</b></span></em></p>
<p></p>
<p><em><span class="font-size-2"><b><a href="http://api.ning.com:80/files/kBk*s0lw*NkqaGSBbKIgHLx7XrTCu36LQb2yU1EE4ltl-FG5Tt9J9c8uAsbyuZxiNZ9eYj*C0xI1Rkxrp0a*kPexTNV356Oh/HOMEGROWNstonesoup101dishing.jpg" target="_self"><img class="align-center" src="http://api.ning.com:80/files/kBk*s0lw*NkqaGSBbKIgHLx7XrTCu36LQb2yU1EE4ltl-FG5Tt9J9c8uAsbyuZxiNZ9eYj*C0xI1Rkxrp0a*kPexTNV356Oh/HOMEGROWNstonesoup101dishing.jpg" width="575"></img></a></b></span></em></p>
<p><em><span class="font-size-2"><b>This 101, on how to make stone soup (aka garbage soup, trash can soup, etc.), comes from the HOMEGROWN test kitchen. Post your own group soup tips in the comments section below!</b></span></em></p>
<p></p>
<p><em><span class="font-size-2"><b><a target="_self" href="http://api.ning.com:80/files/kBk*s0lw*NkqaGSBbKIgHLx7XrTCu36LQb2yU1EE4ltl-FG5Tt9J9c8uAsbyuZxiNZ9eYj*C0xI1Rkxrp0a*kPexTNV356Oh/HOMEGROWNstonesoup101dishing.jpg"><img class="align-center" src="http://api.ning.com:80/files/kBk*s0lw*NkqaGSBbKIgHLx7XrTCu36LQb2yU1EE4ltl-FG5Tt9J9c8uAsbyuZxiNZ9eYj*C0xI1Rkxrp0a*kPexTNV356Oh/HOMEGROWNstonesoup101dishing.jpg" width="575"/></a></b></span></em></p>
<p><span class="font-size-2"> </span></p>
<p><span class="font-size-2">Stone soup. Garbage soup. Trash can soup. Whatever you call it, this dish can’t help but bring people together.</span></p>
<p><span class="font-size-2"> </span></p>
<p><span class="font-size-2">Here at HOMEGROWN HQ, also known as <a href="http://www.farmaid.org/site/c.qlI5IhNVJsE/b.2723595/k.EE67/Family_Farmers_Good_Food_A_Better_America.htm" target="_blank">Farm Aid</a>, we kicked off the holiday season with a group soup. Two of my coworkers had been noodling the idea of a potluck lunch for some time, and thanks to their persistence and dedication, they made it happen. Good work, Jessica and <a href="http://www.homegrown.org/profile/ToniTiemann" target="_self">Toni</a>!</span></p>
<p></p>
<p><span class="font-size-2"><a target="_self" href="http://api.ning.com:80/files/kBk*s0lw*NnhMJf*TpS28jSU6u0GMy39pgSShhLy97EDIbqsZQUV-ymQd0xOqhkzHKIidAJSK9TuPywRM8CKjJt7y1Ee9GMt/HOMEGROWNstonesoup101parsnip.jpg"><img class="align-center" src="http://api.ning.com:80/files/kBk*s0lw*NnhMJf*TpS28jSU6u0GMy39pgSShhLy97EDIbqsZQUV-ymQd0xOqhkzHKIidAJSK9TuPywRM8CKjJt7y1Ee9GMt/HOMEGROWNstonesoup101parsnip.jpg" width="575"/></a></span></p>
<p><span class="font-size-2"> </span></p>
<p><span class="font-size-2">They sent out an email a couple of days in advance, notifying folks of the procedure—more on that below—and the date, getting the rest of us on board. Our ranks were reduced, as some folks had already left for vacation, but those of us still in the office lived it up in style. Check out the photos of pastries, below.</span></p>
<p><span class="font-size-2"> </span></p>
<p><span class="font-size-2">We also ate lunch together, as a staff, for the first time in a while. Good stuff.</span></p>
<p></p>
<p><span class="font-size-2"><a target="_self" href="http://api.ning.com:80/files/kBk*s0lw*NnyCMfsiDUUG4I*4AM**SDmMu9WVovaK9k4VFnORvMVbscgwxgUend2eS9OebjrccVpH4I*Dg216uqBqO7s*nMn/HOMEGROWNstonesoup101happykitchen.jpg"><img class="align-center" src="http://api.ning.com:80/files/kBk*s0lw*NnyCMfsiDUUG4I*4AM**SDmMu9WVovaK9k4VFnORvMVbscgwxgUend2eS9OebjrccVpH4I*Dg216uqBqO7s*nMn/HOMEGROWNstonesoup101happykitchen.jpg" width="575"/></a></span></p>
<p><span class="font-size-2"> </span></p>
<p><span class="font-size-2">How can you prepare your own stone soup? (<a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Stone_Soup" target="_blank">And what’s with that name, anyway</a>?) Here’s the gist: Someone plays the role of social organizer and taps a crew of friends, family, or coworkers—any group that might gather for a meal. Each of those folks brings one or more ingredients from his or her pantry or fridge or freezer and adds it to the pot.</span></p>
<p></p>
<p><span class="font-size-2"><a target="_self" href="http://api.ning.com:80/files/kBk*s0lw*NnXilL5Hg5DA5THPVGzct9ulthfk-UwWvzSLqt3h0uKW*7ItSgYYKyIXOpX0BMmt7VT3tUuQgv2LNOUDeZIZsiI/HOMEGROWNstonesoup101pantry.jpg"><img class="align-center" src="http://api.ning.com:80/files/kBk*s0lw*NnXilL5Hg5DA5THPVGzct9ulthfk-UwWvzSLqt3h0uKW*7ItSgYYKyIXOpX0BMmt7VT3tUuQgv2LNOUDeZIZsiI/HOMEGROWNstonesoup101pantry.jpg" width="575"/></a></span></p>
<p><span class="font-size-2"> </span></p>
<p><span class="font-size-2">Attendees get a chance to use up that lone turnip or last can of beans lingering on the shelf. They also get an excuse to partake in a communal meal: cooking, laughing, and eating together. Somewhat miraculously, the soup always ends up coming together, flavors mingling and mellowing in a true melting pot. Dig in!</span></p>
<p></p>
<p><span class="font-size-2"><a target="_self" href="http://api.ning.com:80/files/kBk*s0lw*NmpI4*xMH9izvK02rE4Pwu0jEe2Hq13mIFT3iWBzCl*r4HC55Kpupo6rEigxEM9LvI-*hbFs6RcqhK5bt-6uam4/HOMEGROWNstonesoup101freezer.jpg"><img class="align-center" src="http://api.ning.com:80/files/kBk*s0lw*NmpI4*xMH9izvK02rE4Pwu0jEe2Hq13mIFT3iWBzCl*r4HC55Kpupo6rEigxEM9LvI-*hbFs6RcqhK5bt-6uam4/HOMEGROWNstonesoup101freezer.jpg" width="575"/></a></span></p>
<p><span class="font-size-2"> <br/></span></p>
<p><span class="font-size-3"><b>WHAT WE USED</b></span></p>
<p><span class="font-size-2"><i>Below is the list of ingredients we ended up with. Your soup will probably look different—but equally delicious! Keep us posted and let us know what goes into your pot.</i></span></p>
<p><span class="font-size-2"><i> </i></span></p>
<p><span class="font-size-2"><strong><span class="font-size-3">»</span></strong> 2 kinds of dried beans, which Toni set out the day before to soak overnight<br/></span></p>
<p><span class="font-size-2"><strong><span class="font-size-3">»</span></strong> 1 parsnip</span></p>
<p><span class="font-size-2"><strong><span class="font-size-3">»</span></strong> ½ bag of frozen corn</span></p>
<p><span class="font-size-2"><strong><span class="font-size-3">»</span></strong> 1 cup or so of wild rice</span></p>
<p><span class="font-size-2"><strong><span class="font-size-3">»</span></strong> 1 spice packet dug out of the depths of the pantry</span></p>
<p><span class="font-size-2"><strong><span class="font-size-3">»</span></strong> 1 carton of veggie broth</span></p>
<p><span class="font-size-2"><strong><span class="font-size-3">»</span></strong> dashes of available spices, including garlic and cumin</span></p>
<p><span class="font-size-2"><strong><span class="font-size-3">»</span></strong> leftover dip from a weekend dinner party</span></p>
<p><span class="font-size-2"><strong><span class="font-size-3">»</span></strong> crackers and cheese scavenged from our office kitchen</span></p>
<p><span class="font-size-2"><strong><span class="font-size-3">»</span></strong> 1 loaf of bread bought from a bakery down the block</span></p>
<p><span class="font-size-2"><strong><span class="font-size-3">»</span></strong> 1 box of pastries bought from a bakery next door to the bread bakery (We lucked out in the neighbor department.)</span></p>
<p><span class="font-size-2"> </span></p>
<p><span class="font-size-2"><a target="_self" href="http://api.ning.com:80/files/kBk*s0lw*NknY62xD4vysChywwRAjrXOlhMO2ggFv2lrBBqk5tX6cVhnSXaMdBONVHT3RoubfPWVmGMOLqC-cMloXqSGR*VC/HOMEGROWNstonesoup101shelf.jpg"><img class="align-center" src="http://api.ning.com:80/files/kBk*s0lw*NknY62xD4vysChywwRAjrXOlhMO2ggFv2lrBBqk5tX6cVhnSXaMdBONVHT3RoubfPWVmGMOLqC-cMloXqSGR*VC/HOMEGROWNstonesoup101shelf.jpg" width="575"/></a></span></p>
<p></p>
<p><span class="font-size-3"><b>WHAT TO DO</b></span></p>
<p><span class="font-size-2"><strong>1.</strong> Soak any dried beans in water overnight.</span></p>
<p></p>
<p><span class="font-size-2"><strong>2.</strong> The next day, when you’re ready to start cooking, drain and rinse the beans thoroughly.</span></p>
<p></p>
<p><span class="font-size-2"><a target="_self" href="http://api.ning.com:80/files/kBk*s0lw*NmrA7PrSw1TW8jhSRRgsletebr4bbWe3ib*eAnxnTjqPht*kuHc9Lt8XDlf98k0kEth9rIQc-mxgaW8dIYpp1nQ/HOMEGROWNstonesoup1012pots.jpg"><img class="align-center" src="http://api.ning.com:80/files/kBk*s0lw*NmrA7PrSw1TW8jhSRRgsletebr4bbWe3ib*eAnxnTjqPht*kuHc9Lt8XDlf98k0kEth9rIQc-mxgaW8dIYpp1nQ/HOMEGROWNstonesoup1012pots.jpg" width="575"/></a></span></p>
<p><span class="font-size-2"> </span></p>
<p><span class="font-size-2"><strong>3.</strong> Slice any raw veggies and put them in a large stockpot. Add butter or olive oil and sauté until tender. <br/></span></p>
<p></p>
<p><span class="font-size-2"><a target="_self" href="http://api.ning.com:80/files/kBk*s0lw*NkAPBSHu1YJ8975CXLG5c8ClzqMYd1R1aof7FDfcwh*a8XAHX7GYM*sW3ZceTaGPn4mFMhD*pGRj9PY0DBdzqXD/HOMEGROWNstonesoup101jess.jpg"><img class="align-center" src="http://api.ning.com:80/files/kBk*s0lw*NkAPBSHu1YJ8975CXLG5c8ClzqMYd1R1aof7FDfcwh*a8XAHX7GYM*sW3ZceTaGPn4mFMhD*pGRj9PY0DBdzqXD/HOMEGROWNstonesoup101jess.jpg" width="575"/></a></span></p>
<p><span class="font-size-2"> </span></p>
<p><span class="font-size-2"><strong>4.</strong> Add the broth, beans, and spices, tasting and adjusting as you go. Bring the whole shebang to a lively boil then turn down and simmer, leaving plenty of time for all those flavors to combine into one unified soup.</span></p>
<p></p>
<p><span class="font-size-2"><a target="_self" href="http://api.ning.com:80/files/kBk*s0lw*NnqMeQ36Tdr2MgsGfEY9mzBit*scqbXeCmCMqCiK3z7Lf5li5iv2j68f4whrjQxoP28stQR2WwpwBZBViKPjHP4/HOMEGROWNstonesoup101mixing.jpg"><img class="align-center" src="http://api.ning.com:80/files/kBk*s0lw*NnqMeQ36Tdr2MgsGfEY9mzBit*scqbXeCmCMqCiK3z7Lf5li5iv2j68f4whrjQxoP28stQR2WwpwBZBViKPjHP4/HOMEGROWNstonesoup101mixing.jpg" width="575"/></a></span></p>
<p><span class="font-size-2"> </span></p>
<p><span class="font-size-2"><strong>5.</strong> Supplement with a salad, snacks, and something sweet. Bonus points if you use the trash-can method for assembling your accompaniments, as well!</span></p>
<p></p>
<p><span class="font-size-2"><a target="_self" href="http://api.ning.com:80/files/kBk*s0lw*Nlg4ANLBhNPeWRG8OuN0BsS3KYKb*Rb2xKrW-65K1WVIQ0*g5IxEXsXeTbhjZGXj27*1RWyKSkX1*w-dM8JPZIF/HOMEGROWNstonesoup101pastries.jpg"><img class="align-center" src="http://api.ning.com:80/files/kBk*s0lw*Nlg4ANLBhNPeWRG8OuN0BsS3KYKb*Rb2xKrW-65K1WVIQ0*g5IxEXsXeTbhjZGXj27*1RWyKSkX1*w-dM8JPZIF/HOMEGROWNstonesoup101pastries.jpg" width="575"/></a> </span></p>
<p><span class="font-size-2"><a target="_self" href="http://api.ning.com:80/files/kBk*s0lw*Nmp-Mkh4F7C6b4QLIv8dg5kq124q-RMhxD8a6YV5g3hs7FqOqfairu*UXBTziS1ERctnnleWgFs*JMCMuga4*aH/HOMEGROWNstonesoup101bread.jpg"><img class="align-center" src="http://api.ning.com:80/files/kBk*s0lw*Nmp-Mkh4F7C6b4QLIv8dg5kq124q-RMhxD8a6YV5g3hs7FqOqfairu*UXBTziS1ERctnnleWgFs*JMCMuga4*aH/HOMEGROWNstonesoup101bread.jpg" width="575"/></a></span></p>
<p></p>
<p><span class="font-size-2"><strong>6.</strong> Serve up the soup and convene at the table. If someone forgets to bring an ingredient, ask him or her to jot down a few conversation starters on scraps of paper. Eat. Talk. Bond. Fill your bellies and your hearts.</span></p>
<p></p>
<p><span class="font-size-2"><a target="_self" href="http://api.ning.com:80/files/kBk*s0lw*NmqENRKzJVVTF1QA3xX*2BNz*EOwkUzPsOMkQ4gX3junM1RbhTH3Q3*-XFW1JyA9d7xxBqdh1dFlghXV*w5E0E7/HOMEGROWNstonesoup101bowls.jpg"><img class="align-center" src="http://api.ning.com:80/files/kBk*s0lw*NmqENRKzJVVTF1QA3xX*2BNz*EOwkUzPsOMkQ4gX3junM1RbhTH3Q3*-XFW1JyA9d7xxBqdh1dFlghXV*w5E0E7/HOMEGROWNstonesoup101bowls.jpg" width="575"/></a></span><a target="_self" href="http://api.ning.com:80/files/kBk*s0lw*NksyeVVnAqhCUldJbi8hvjATRiA6WHH20NTANH9nWNhn1CEWS0*MoO7MFxHmrbEpsidWJRGVupGv*8UTj8muSym/HOMEGROWNstonesoup101ah.jpg"></a></p>
<p></p>
<p><a target="_self" href="http://api.ning.com:80/files/kBk*s0lw*NksyeVVnAqhCUldJbi8hvjATRiA6WHH20NTANH9nWNhn1CEWS0*MoO7MFxHmrbEpsidWJRGVupGv*8UTj8muSym/HOMEGROWNstonesoup101ah.jpg"><img class="align-center" src="http://api.ning.com:80/files/kBk*s0lw*NksyeVVnAqhCUldJbi8hvjATRiA6WHH20NTANH9nWNhn1CEWS0*MoO7MFxHmrbEpsidWJRGVupGv*8UTj8muSym/HOMEGROWNstonesoup101ah.jpg" width="575"/></a><a target="_self" href="http://api.ning.com:80/files/kBk*s0lw*NmIFQJSYeR8xXUTwlAZ7GLeYQrh-2LwAKA10q2Tv8LXuz2dxz-mA0IFSa5oohVZv1MkR--bZZuhBfqs73ajwooi/HOMEGROWNstonesoup101bowl.jpg"></a></p>
<p></p>
<p><a target="_self" href="http://api.ning.com:80/files/kBk*s0lw*NmIFQJSYeR8xXUTwlAZ7GLeYQrh-2LwAKA10q2Tv8LXuz2dxz-mA0IFSa5oohVZv1MkR--bZZuhBfqs73ajwooi/HOMEGROWNstonesoup101bowl.jpg"><img class="align-center" src="http://api.ning.com:80/files/kBk*s0lw*NmIFQJSYeR8xXUTwlAZ7GLeYQrh-2LwAKA10q2Tv8LXuz2dxz-mA0IFSa5oohVZv1MkR--bZZuhBfqs73ajwooi/HOMEGROWNstonesoup101bowl.jpg" width="575"/></a></p>
<p><span class="font-size-2"> </span></p>
<p><span class="font-size-2"><strong>7.</strong> Repeat monthly or as needed. Enjoy!</span></p>
<p></p>
<p><span class="font-size-2"><a target="_self" href="http://api.ning.com:80/files/kBk*s0lw*NmKuYJKGjRgnjREAxbz16dviKqLvDzRLpNXvZDyAYRFNq*Et7dtk*7jGcRXqpBdl6Cq62o7KEAGHcrJsjtKyqld/HOMEGROWNstonesoup101joel.jpg"><img class="align-center" src="http://api.ning.com:80/files/kBk*s0lw*NmKuYJKGjRgnjREAxbz16dviKqLvDzRLpNXvZDyAYRFNq*Et7dtk*7jGcRXqpBdl6Cq62o7KEAGHcrJsjtKyqld/HOMEGROWNstonesoup101joel.jpg" width="575"/></a></span></p>
<p><span class="font-size-2"><br/></span></p>
<p><span class="font-size-3"><b>JOIN THE CONVERSATION!</b></span></p>
<p><em><span class="font-size-2">Do you have your own stone-soup anecdote or list of ingredients to share? Post tips below and keep the conversation rolling! You might also be interested in recipes for <a href="http://www.homegrown.org/forum/topics/bone-broth-101" target="_self">homemade bone broth</a>, <a href="http://www.homegrown.org/forum/topics/how-to-make-crackers-101" target="_self">crackers</a>, <a href="http://www.homegrown.org/forum/topics/chili-101" target="_self">chili</a>, and <a href="http://www.homegrown.org/forum/topics/catching-wild-levain-101-homemade-sourdough-starter-bread-recipe" target="_self">sourdough</a>, as well as 101s on <a href="http://www.homegrown.org/forum/topics/canning-chicken-stock-101-videos-homemade-chicken-stock-recipe" target="_self">canning chicken stock</a>, <a href="http://www.homegrown.org/forum/topics/six-ways-to-use-stale-bread-101" target="_self">using up stale bread</a>, and assembling a pantry of <a href="http://www.homegrown.org/forum/topics/kitchen-staples-checklist-101-maker-faire-bay-area-2014" target="_self">kitchen staples</a>. You might also give 101s on <a href="http://www.homegrown.org/forum/topics/community-building-101" target="_self">community building</a>, constructing a <a href="http://www.homegrown.org/forum/topics/posting-post-101" target="_self">posting post</a>, staring a <a href="http://www.homegrown.org/forum/topics/how-to-start-a-food-recovery-program-101" target="_self">food recovery program</a>, <a href="http://www.homegrown.org/forum/topics/meal-planning-101" target="_self">meal planning</a>, <a href="http://www.homegrown.org/forum/topics/bartering-101-how-to-swap" target="_self">bartering</a>, <a href="http://www.homegrown.org/forum/topics/party-on-a-budget-101" target="_self">throwing a party on a budget</a>, <a href="http://www.homegrown.org/forum/topics/hosting-a-food-swap-101" target="_self">hosting a food swap</a>, and <a href="http://www.homegrown.org/forum/topics/how-to-start-a-buying-club-starting-a-food-buying-club-101" target="_self">launching a food buying club</a> a gander. You can always find more things to cook, preserve, plant, grow, make, craft, and simmer in the <a href="http://www.homegrown.org/forum" target="_self">HOMEGROWN 101 library</a>. <em><span class="font-size-2">Whatever you do, we want to hear about it.</span> Share your family meals and spread the love!</em></span></em></p>
<p><span class="font-size-2"> </span></p>
<p><span class="font-size-2"><span style="color: #808080;">PHOTOS:</span> <a href="http://www.homegrown.org/profile/JJWW" target="_blank">JENNIFER</a><br/></span></p>
<p></p> Cinnamon Applesauce Ornaments 101tag:www.homegrown.org,2014-12-17:2263119:Topic:1941012014-12-17T17:06:02.424ZEllen Peaveyhttp://www.homegrown.org/profile/EllenPeavey
<p><em><span class="font-size-2"><b>The following 101, on making cinnamon applesauce ornaments, comes from HOMEGROWN’s flock tender, <a href="http://www.homegrown.org/profile/JJWW" target="_self">Jennifer</a>, who has thought about making these daily just to smell them baking.…</b></span></em></p>
<p></p>
<p></p>
<p><em><span class="font-size-2"><b>The following 101, on making cinnamon applesauce ornaments, comes from HOMEGROWN’s flock tender, <a href="http://www.homegrown.org/profile/JJWW" target="_self">Jennifer</a>, who has thought about making these daily just to smell them baking.</b></span></em></p>
<p></p>
<p><em><span class="font-size-2"><a target="_self" href="http://api.ning.com:80/files/1UL3ifpm7LtoZfM*HkIJMDOhdEEd9pGcFDKNxaENfCcJJXkC5OrBVHpNAoMrp-QEg8lt8HJkPOW5wf4x68LZApcADh3nJ8bK/IMG_5701.jpg"><img class="align-center" src="http://api.ning.com:80/files/1UL3ifpm7LtoZfM*HkIJMDOhdEEd9pGcFDKNxaENfCcJJXkC5OrBVHpNAoMrp-QEg8lt8HJkPOW5wf4x68LZApcADh3nJ8bK/IMG_5701.jpg" width="575"/></a></span></em></p>
<p><span class="font-size-2"> </span></p>
<p><span class="font-size-2">I was so slow in decorating for the holidays this year, it was mid-December before I knew it. At that point, with so few days left before Christmas, it didn’t seem worth the money or the hassle to buy and trim a full-size tree. Instead, we picked out a dwarf potted spruce from a nearby family-owned nursery. It’s the perfect size for those fairy lights that are all the rage; it looks adorable sitting in our front window; and, after the holidays are over, we’ll be able to plant it in our yard and enjoy it for years to come.</span></p>
<p><span class="font-size-2"> </span></p>
<p><span class="font-size-2">The only problem? It doesn’t have that distinct Christmas tree smell. I thought about buying a wreath to lay around its base, sort of like a tree skirt, but since the whole point was to save money, I decided on plan B. In place of trying to make the tree smell like something it wasn’t, I could go for an entirely different holiday aroma. Cinnamon.</span></p>
<p><span class="font-size-2"> </span></p>
<p><span class="font-size-2"><a href="http://www.homegrown.org/photo/homegrown-village-at-maker-faire-bay-area-30?context=album&amp;albumId=2263119%3AAlbum%3A185481" target="_self">My mom</a> made these ornaments a few years back as a trinket to lay at guests’ place settings for Christmas dinner, and I fell in love with them. The crazy part? You need only two ingredients to make them—which you’ve probably already got in your pantry—and they last for years. I keep hers in an airtight container when they’re not in use, and they still smell as good as the day she made them. I love how charming and simple they are, but nothing beats the way they smell. (Technically, you could eat them, but after an hour and a half of baking, you might crack a tooth—although beware of hanging them within paw’s reach of pets!)</span></p>
<p><span class="font-size-2"> </span></p>
<p><span class="font-size-2">You can paint them using whatever craft paint you have lying around the house, but I like them natural—almost like terracotta pottery. Science says it’s the glutinous property of cinnamon that makes these ornaments congeal into dough. I say it’s Christmas magic. Either way, they’re an incredibly simple holiday craft that’s great for kids of all ages. </span></p>
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<p><span class="font-size-2"><a target="_self" href="http://api.ning.com:80/files/1UL3ifpm7LuMNibiBeS-IT37XqOcujsajCzpLg2l3uKUSEkTWaFFPhzjoHLpM1j*lm3hldlShWUj7PsPDzJyUvElpLNaJw1i/IMG_5671.jpg"><img class="align-center" src="http://api.ning.com:80/files/1UL3ifpm7LuMNibiBeS-IT37XqOcujsajCzpLg2l3uKUSEkTWaFFPhzjoHLpM1j*lm3hldlShWUj7PsPDzJyUvElpLNaJw1i/IMG_5671.jpg" width="575"/></a></span></p>
<p><span class="font-size-2"> </span></p>
<p><span class="font-size-3"><b>WHAT YOU’LL NEED</b></span></p>
<p><span class="font-size-2"><span class="font-size-2"><strong><span class="font-size-3">»</span></strong></span> 10 Tbsp cinnamon</span></p>
<p><span class="font-size-2"><span class="font-size-2"><strong><span class="font-size-3">»</span></strong></span> 6 Tbsp applesauce</span></p>
<p><span class="font-size-2"><span class="font-size-2"><strong><span class="font-size-3">»</span></strong></span> rolling pin</span></p>
<p><span class="font-size-2"><span class="font-size-2"><strong><span class="font-size-3">»</span></strong></span> cookie cutters (optional)</span></p>
<p><span class="font-size-2"><span class="font-size-2"><strong><span class="font-size-3">»</span></strong></span> ribbon or twine</span></p>
<p><span class="font-size-2"> </span></p>
<p><span class="font-size-3"><b>WHAT TO DO</b></span></p>
<p><span class="font-size-2"><span class="font-size-3"><strong>1.</strong></span> Put the applesauce and cinnamon in a microwaveable bowl and nuke for 30 seconds. Meanwhile, preheat the oven to 200.</span></p>
<p></p>
<p><span class="font-size-2"><a target="_self" href="http://api.ning.com:80/files/1UL3ifpm7Lucq*sK02HId3peajWUpEYP6GokATAtBW5v9F7iAb8EshZtjTG4xE9F0bQsq60*W*Zq4OOA0XKXrQxOWwtqoUKu/IMG_5672.jpg"><img class="align-center" src="http://api.ning.com:80/files/1UL3ifpm7Lucq*sK02HId3peajWUpEYP6GokATAtBW5v9F7iAb8EshZtjTG4xE9F0bQsq60*W*Zq4OOA0XKXrQxOWwtqoUKu/IMG_5672.jpg" width="575"/></a></span></p>
<p></p>
<p><span class="font-size-2"><span class="font-size-2"><span class="font-size-3"><strong>2.</strong></span></span> Add the cinnamon to the bowl and whisk it until the mixture reaches a dough-like consistency.</span></p>
<p><span class="font-size-2"> </span></p>
<p><span class="font-size-2"><a target="_self" href="http://api.ning.com:80/files/1UL3ifpm7LvNEcZDiF*IWLpevukme9jvv5L2zq2079uOpwyBq4YnTLbevE82*nLNp8EsHn*RsNCVdCwc3ar6F8kSkEk8c-aW/IMG_5676.jpg"><img class="align-center" src="http://api.ning.com:80/files/1UL3ifpm7LvNEcZDiF*IWLpevukme9jvv5L2zq2079uOpwyBq4YnTLbevE82*nLNp8EsHn*RsNCVdCwc3ar6F8kSkEk8c-aW/IMG_5676.jpg" width="575"/></a></span></p>
<p></p>
<p><span class="font-size-2"><span class="font-size-2"><span class="font-size-3"><strong>3.</strong></span></span> Sprinkle your work area and rolling pin with more cinnamon to prevent sticking then transfer the dough to your countertop and roll it out.</span></p>
<p></p>
<p><span class="font-size-2"><a target="_self" href="http://api.ning.com:80/files/1UL3ifpm7LsQ6v6GzKXhBph7sSuzWwlMNY4W4OD78lGYhcamyoljx*3Qdgov3D6-Ox9MqGSvESpia5bAf1ygME7F5*vSAL47/IMG_5679.jpg"><img class="align-center" src="http://api.ning.com:80/files/1UL3ifpm7LsQ6v6GzKXhBph7sSuzWwlMNY4W4OD78lGYhcamyoljx*3Qdgov3D6-Ox9MqGSvESpia5bAf1ygME7F5*vSAL47/IMG_5679.jpg" width="575"/></a></span></p>
<p><span class="font-size-2"> </span></p>
<p><span class="font-size-2"><span class="font-size-2"><span class="font-size-3"><strong>4.</strong></span></span> Use cookie cutters—or, if you’re cutterless, like me, a paring knife—to cut your dough into shapes. Carefully(!) poke a hole in the top of each ornament; you’ll eventually thread this with ribbon or twine to hang your ornament. I used the tail end of an especially pointy fork.</span></p>
<p></p>
<p><span class="font-size-2"><a target="_self" href="http://api.ning.com:80/files/1UL3ifpm7LtLcsLvogDiskufbws-GIlmQ9aAvCdgYSrfsapR4oCH6B2-pOcCbBqrPZzOT94tPsMkm4Xe-y7PSPU79sY7W6Vr/IMG_5681.jpg"><img class="align-center" src="http://api.ning.com:80/files/1UL3ifpm7LtLcsLvogDiskufbws-GIlmQ9aAvCdgYSrfsapR4oCH6B2-pOcCbBqrPZzOT94tPsMkm4Xe-y7PSPU79sY7W6Vr/IMG_5681.jpg" width="575"/></a></span></p>
<p><span class="font-size-2"> </span></p>
<p><span class="font-size-2"><span class="font-size-2"><span class="font-size-3"><strong>5.</strong></span></span> Delicately transfer all of your ornaments to a baking sheet and bake for 30 minutes.</span></p>
<p></p>
<p><span class="font-size-2"><a target="_self" href="http://api.ning.com:80/files/1UL3ifpm7LsuT83wZ2A4Sz-UGD7ErRifMVpz71Et07drl35W0-tdybbrYsuJUWdS1m6pSltPh7XK-X70hLiTEVluAV1nCpUP/IMG_5684.jpg"><img class="align-center" src="http://api.ning.com:80/files/1UL3ifpm7LsuT83wZ2A4Sz-UGD7ErRifMVpz71Et07drl35W0-tdybbrYsuJUWdS1m6pSltPh7XK-X70hLiTEVluAV1nCpUP/IMG_5684.jpg" width="575"/></a></span></p>
<p><span class="font-size-2"> </span></p>
<p><span class="font-size-2"><span class="font-size-2"><span class="font-size-3"><strong>6.</strong></span></span> Flip them—with care!—and bake them on the other side for 30 more minutes. Before sticking my ornaments back in the oven, I made sure the ribbon hole was nice and open.</span></p>
<p></p>
<p><span class="font-size-2"><a target="_self" href="http://api.ning.com:80/files/1UL3ifpm7LvOJFyMc53B3ratKrflC0dc56wgwExSD6Vz6rDYLll5IhCIvclO7vZWmus5osRUhRhYuA7fWl4Ngyku*Ub4X9qw/IMG_5689.jpg"><img class="align-center" src="http://api.ning.com:80/files/1UL3ifpm7LvOJFyMc53B3ratKrflC0dc56wgwExSD6Vz6rDYLll5IhCIvclO7vZWmus5osRUhRhYuA7fWl4Ngyku*Ub4X9qw/IMG_5689.jpg" width="575"/></a></span></p>
<p><span class="font-size-2"> </span></p>
<p><span class="font-size-2"><span class="font-size-2"><span class="font-size-3"><strong>7.</strong></span></span> Flip them back to the original side and bake 30 minutes more.</span></p>
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<p><span class="font-size-2"><a target="_self" href="http://api.ning.com:80/files/1UL3ifpm7LtHXRS9nvUVThyVLpVw7I2XXx2noOwBsbnGFVotluujF3DzH7uXKs-Yb-225g5w-Q0zUBLthyTk81BOM0M26QlG/IMG_5690.jpg"><img class="align-center" src="http://api.ning.com:80/files/1UL3ifpm7LtHXRS9nvUVThyVLpVw7I2XXx2noOwBsbnGFVotluujF3DzH7uXKs-Yb-225g5w-Q0zUBLthyTk81BOM0M26QlG/IMG_5690.jpg" width="575"/></a></span></p>
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<p><span class="font-size-2"><span class="font-size-2"><span class="font-size-3"><strong>8.</strong></span></span> Remove them from the oven and let them cool completely before threading them with a ribbon or string.</span></p>
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<p><span class="font-size-2"><a target="_self" href="http://api.ning.com:80/files/1UL3ifpm7LvAvc3H1a1JWFHnLbB6XZCMCqhQQ3yYbLtsTxsdsiZU0vEBTgaNTS37rXE2s57TAyX3Y97BAIT9RkzMtEsyM0fI/IMG_5695.jpg"><img class="align-center" src="http://api.ning.com:80/files/1UL3ifpm7LvAvc3H1a1JWFHnLbB6XZCMCqhQQ3yYbLtsTxsdsiZU0vEBTgaNTS37rXE2s57TAyX3Y97BAIT9RkzMtEsyM0fI/IMG_5695.jpg" width="575"/></a></span><a target="_self" href="http://api.ning.com:80/files/1UL3ifpm7Lv1cKABxy6AJFX-GlZSk0kc*aWoDuZ4MMz8D*ERumDF483LkS4HLa8fgbiVtigA*ovePCtQZP*YdUwmZ2pHm06b/IMG_5697.jpg"><img class="align-center" src="http://api.ning.com:80/files/1UL3ifpm7Lv1cKABxy6AJFX-GlZSk0kc*aWoDuZ4MMz8D*ERumDF483LkS4HLa8fgbiVtigA*ovePCtQZP*YdUwmZ2pHm06b/IMG_5697.jpg" width="575"/></a><a target="_self" href="http://api.ning.com:80/files/1UL3ifpm7LtnyeU3DhC7gMBGBaUT8WiQ87IN040Q681P8tUBB5iMj4hfualPlnDPCJqXZ6IfcGHXqdpX8l4dv*9ZR4AipD4t/IMG_5702.jpg"><img class="align-center" src="http://api.ning.com:80/files/1UL3ifpm7LtnyeU3DhC7gMBGBaUT8WiQ87IN040Q681P8tUBB5iMj4hfualPlnDPCJqXZ6IfcGHXqdpX8l4dv*9ZR4AipD4t/IMG_5702.jpg" width="575"/></a></p>
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<p><span class="font-size-2"><b><span class="font-size-3">JOIN THE CONVERSATION!</span></b></span></p>
<p><em><span class="font-size-2">Got a question for Jennifer or another holiday craft project to share? Post it below and keep the conversation rolling! You might also be interested in 101s on making your own <a href="http://www.homegrown.org/forum/topics/how-to-make-seedballs-aka" target="_self">seed bombs</a> (AKA seedballs), <a href="http://www.homegrown.org/forum/topics/beeswax-candles-101" target="_self">beeswax candles</a>, <a href="http://www.homegrown.org/forum/topics/mason-jar-bird-feeder-101" target="_self">mason jar bird feeder</a>, <a href="http://www.homegrown.org/forum/topics/vegetable-candleholders-101" target="_self">veggie candleholders</a>, or <a href="http://www.homegrown.org/forum/topics/hand-knit-apple-pear-christmas-ornaments-101" target="_self">hand-knit-fruit ornaments</a>. For more holiday helpers, you can check out the <a href="http://www.homegrown.org/forum/topics/party-on-a-budget-101" target="_self">Holiday Party on a Budget 101</a> and the <a href="http://www.homegrown.org/forum/topics/12-days-of-diy-homemade-gift-ideas-you-can-make-in-an-evening" target="_self">12 Days of DIY</a> gift guide, and you can always find more things to make, craft, plant, grow, bake, preserve, and deck in the <a href="http://www.homegrown.org/forum" target="_self">HOMEGROWN 101 library</a>.</span></em></p>
<p><span style="color: #808080;" class="font-size-2"> </span></p>
<p><span class="font-size-2"><span style="color: #808080;">ALL PHOTOS:</span> <a href="http://www.homegrown.org/profile/JJWW" target="_self">JENNIFER</a></span></p>
<p><span class="font-size-2"> </span></p> Homemade Body Scrub 101tag:www.homegrown.org,2014-12-17:2263119:Topic:1939522014-12-17T15:25:42.385ZEllen Peaveyhttp://www.homegrown.org/profile/EllenPeavey
<p><span class="font-size-2"><em><b>The following 101, on mixing up your own homemade body scrub, comes from Farm Aid staffer and HOMEGROWN member</b> <a href="http://www.homegrown.org/profile/ToniTiemann" target="_self">Toni Tiemann</a><b>. Thanks so much, Toni, and please keep the good ideas fermenting!…</b></em></span></p>
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<p><span class="font-size-2"><em><b>The following 101, on mixing up your own homemade body scrub, comes from Farm Aid staffer and HOMEGROWN member</b> <a href="http://www.homegrown.org/profile/ToniTiemann" target="_self">Toni Tiemann</a><b>. Thanks so much, Toni, and please keep the good ideas fermenting!</b></em></span></p>
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<p><span class="font-size-2"><a target="_self" href="http://api.ning.com:80/files/1UL3ifpm7LsuJ2co*arqiWuQrsrSmGo6gbCUFM0FldaPn9vQo7sXsUI2t009WoddSFrOka-ec*pOxkFWgtZmVFldx2eM75mL/HOMEGROWNhomemadebodyscrub3.jpg"><img class="align-center" src="http://api.ning.com:80/files/1UL3ifpm7LsuJ2co*arqiWuQrsrSmGo6gbCUFM0FldaPn9vQo7sXsUI2t009WoddSFrOka-ec*pOxkFWgtZmVFldx2eM75mL/HOMEGROWNhomemadebodyscrub3.jpg" width="575"/></a></span></p>
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<p><span class="font-size-2">It’s that time of year again, when friends, families, coworkers, and all kinds of hyphenates in between come together for the holidays—often for a gift exchange of some sort. That could be a Secret Santa setup or a Yankee Swap, but no matter what method of giving your groups chooses, the biggest challenge is finding the most competitive (and inexpensive) gift. Here at <a href="http://www.farmaid.org/site/c.qlI5IhNVJsE/b.2723595/k.EE67/Family_Farmers_Good_Food_A_Better_America.htm" target="_blank">Farm Aid</a>, there’s an added—and particularly tricky—catch: Everything has to be homemade. How was I ever going to top last year’s <a href="http://www.homegrown.org/forum/topics/etched-glasses-101" target="_self">etched glasses</a>? Three ingredients. That’s how.</span></p>
<p><span class="font-size-2"> </span></p>
<p><span class="font-size-2">With the HOMEGROWN spirit in mind, I found this <a href="http://www.iheartnaptime.net/lemon-sugar-scrub/" target="_blank">I Heart Naptime</a> recipe for a coconut lemon sugar scrub that takes only ten minutes and three ingredients to make. I’ll give you only one guess what those three ingredients are. I paired this scrub with some <a href="http://www.homegrown.org/forum/topics/how-to-make-bath-bombs-101?xg_source=activity" target="_self">homemade bath bombs</a> and voila! Crafty, eh?<br/></span></p>
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<p><span class="font-size-2"><a target="_self" href="http://api.ning.com:80/files/1UL3ifpm7LuS5shpg1b9o-ON3ZE8Vk8YzUmDrcrzbAPjSPkux6638Pw5r8SBAmLWCgTzANofxglFzsBCyYa6jfVyWiLsuavf/HOMEGROWNhomemadebodyscrub1.jpg"><img class="align-center" src="http://api.ning.com:80/files/1UL3ifpm7LuS5shpg1b9o-ON3ZE8Vk8YzUmDrcrzbAPjSPkux6638Pw5r8SBAmLWCgTzANofxglFzsBCyYa6jfVyWiLsuavf/HOMEGROWNhomemadebodyscrub1.jpg" width="575"/></a></span></p>
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<p><span class="font-size-3"><b>WHAT YOU’LL NEED</b></span></p>
<p><span class="font-size-2"><strong><span class="font-size-3">»</span></strong> 2½ cups sugar</span></p>
<p><span class="font-size-2"><strong><span class="font-size-3">»</span></strong> ¼ cup coconut oil</span></p>
<p><span class="font-size-2"><strong><span class="font-size-3">»</span></strong> Juice and zest of 1 lemon</span></p>
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<p><span class="font-size-3"><b>WHAT TO DO</b></span></p>
<p><span class="font-size-2"><span class="font-size-3"><strong>1.</strong></span> Heat the coconut oil in the microwave for 30 seconds or until the oil melts.</span></p>
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<p><span class="font-size-2"><span class="font-size-2"><span class="font-size-3"><strong>2.</strong></span></span> Combine all of the ingredients in a large bowl and stir until well blended. Add extra sugar or oil if necessary to get the consistency you want. This is all preference, but I stuck to the suggested amounts and was pleased with the outcome.</span></p>
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<p><span class="font-size-2"><a target="_self" href="http://api.ning.com:80/files/1UL3ifpm7LsnhEuHeLAYW88LEwQL3QbS9f4jApL2ox9Ps-P9bSDUDPk82niYEuxB-LZt9*HdsA1BkIsTDaW4GfDjpTYeCX3q/HOMEGROWNhomemadebodyscrub2.jpg"><img class="align-center" src="http://api.ning.com:80/files/1UL3ifpm7LsnhEuHeLAYW88LEwQL3QbS9f4jApL2ox9Ps-P9bSDUDPk82niYEuxB-LZt9*HdsA1BkIsTDaW4GfDjpTYeCX3q/HOMEGROWNhomemadebodyscrub2.jpg" width="575"/></a></span></p>
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<p><span class="font-size-2"><span class="font-size-2"><span class="font-size-3"><strong>3.</strong></span></span> That’s all, folks! You’ve got yourself a coconut lemon scrub in fewer than ten minutes for less than $10. Happy gifting!<br/></span></p>
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<p><span class="font-size-2"><a target="_self" href="http://api.ning.com:80/files/1UL3ifpm7LtJhWZLQvgZrDX2D8UdBAZ3fajSeaRyOb9uEvtZS2iud0hkRAllFmSnpnqsIwmYD6YMMa7FYh63jOTzPL7e5-hI/HOMEGROWNhomemadebodyscrub4.jpg"><img class="align-center" src="http://api.ning.com:80/files/1UL3ifpm7LtJhWZLQvgZrDX2D8UdBAZ3fajSeaRyOb9uEvtZS2iud0hkRAllFmSnpnqsIwmYD6YMMa7FYh63jOTzPL7e5-hI/HOMEGROWNhomemadebodyscrub4.jpg" width="575"/></a></span></p>
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<p><span class="font-size-3"><b>TWO TIPS</b></span></p>
<p><span class="font-size-2">One thing to be careful of: If you leave the scrub out unsealed, it’ll dry out. Throw it in an airtight jar with a homemade label and you’ve got the perfect stocking stuffer. It’ll make your giftee feel as fresh as it smells.</span></p>
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<p><span class="font-size-2">A similar project, in case you (or your giftee) gets hooked on this scrub: When my face is extra dry in the winter months, sometimes I’ll whip up a quick face scrub to use a few times a week before bed. I just combine a splash of whole milk with a small amount of granulated sugar and ta da! The sugar works as an exfoliator while the milk moisturizes your skin. Basically, it’s everything your skin needs for the winter, right from your pantry. </span></p>
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<p><span class="font-size-2"><b><span class="font-size-3">JOIN THE CONVERSATION!</span></b></span></p>
<p><span class="font-size-2"><em>Got a question for Toni or another scrub-friendly ingredient combo to recommend? Post it below and keep the conversation rolling! You might also be interested in 101s on making your own <a href="http://www.homegrown.org/forum/topics/how-to-make-bath-bombs-101?xg_source=activity" target="_self">bath bombs</a>, <a href="http://www.homegrown.org/forum/topics/soap-101" target="_self">cold-process soap</a>, <a href="http://www.homegrown.org/forum/topics/beeswax-candles-101" target="_self">beeswax candles</a>, <a href="http://www.homegrown.org/forum/topics/homemade-tinctures-101-echinacea" target="_self">tinctures</a>, <a href="http://www.homegrown.org/forum/topics/homemade-toothpaste-101" target="_self">toothpaste</a>, <a href="http://www.homegrown.org/forum/topics/homemade-sunscreen-101" target="_self">sunscreen</a>, and <a href="http://www.homegrown.org/forum/topics/diy-laundry-detergent-101" target="_self">laundry detergent</a>, and you can always find more things to make, craft, plant, grow, cook, preserve, and scrub in the <a href="http://www.homegrown.org/forum" target="_self">HOMEGROWN 101 library</a>.</em></span></p>
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<p><span class="font-size-2"><span style="color: #808080;">ALL PHOTOS:</span> <a href="http://www.homegrown.org/profile/ToniTiemann" target="_self">TONI</a></span></p>
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